SANNIQUELLIE, NIMBA COUNTY – The National Elections Commission (NEC) of Liberia has announced a peaceful start to the 2025 Senatorial By-election in Nimba County, with all 262 precincts and 736 polling places reported open by 8:00 a.m. this morning.
NEC Chairperson Davidetta Browne Lansanah, addressing stakeholders and members of the press at the Sanniquellie City Hall on Tuesday, stated that voting commenced smoothly across the county, with no major incidents reported by the Commission’s magisterial offices in Tappita and Sanniquellie.
More than 307,000 registered voters are expected to participate in the by-election, which will conclude at 6:00 p.m. Voters are selecting a new senator to represent Nimba County, following the vacancy of the seat.
While the overall process has remained calm, Chairperson Lansanah acknowledged a number of isolated issues at various polling sites. These included delays in opening a few polling places and logistical challenges such as locked school buildings, ongoing renovations, and last-minute venue changes. However, all situations were addressed on site with the assistance of NEC officials and security personnel.
One incident occurred at the Messiah Christian Academy (Precinct #33075) in District #1, where the facility was initially locked due to delayed precinct payment. The school was later opened for polling. Nearby, at Geolando Public School (Precinct #33076), tension arose when party agents attempted to direct poll workers to announce voter names, but the issue was resolved peacefully.
In District #8, polling was relocated to a church after Venn Town Public School was found without a roof. Similarly, in District #6, a tent was constructed at the Tappita Civil Compound after the original location was occupied by the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency. Polling Places 4 and 5 were moved to an unfinished structure in the same area.
At Precinct #33111 in Vanpa, polling staff were temporarily denied access due to renovations, prompting NEC to relocate operations to a nearby church.
Despite these hiccups, the Commission praised the Liberia National Police and other security forces for maintaining order throughout the process.
“We can only encourage all candidates, their supporters, and voters to please go to the poll peacefully and vote,” Lansanah urged.
She further expressed appreciation to the Government of Liberia for funding the by-election and extended thanks to the international donor community and the media for their continued support and coverage.
