GANTA, NIMBA COUNTY – Vice President Jeremiah Koung cast his vote Tuesday morning at the Ganta YMCA polling center amid low voter turnout in the highly anticipated Nimba County senatorial by-election. The poll, held to fill the Senate seat left vacant by the death of long-serving lawmaker Prince Y. Johnson, began under calm conditions with scattered voter participation across the county.
Voting officially commenced early Tuesday, April 22, as residents slowly made their way to the polls in what is seen as a pivotal moment for Nimba’s political future. Despite the presence of several candidates vying for the coveted seat, enthusiasm among voters appeared muted during the early hours of the process.
Prince Y. Johnson, a controversial yet influential figure in Liberian politics, served multiple terms in the Senate before his recent passing. His absence has left a significant political gap in Nimba County, one that many candidates now seek to fill in hopes of inheriting his vast support base.
The National Elections Commission (NEC) deployed election workers across the county to ensure a smooth and transparent process. Security officers were also stationed at various polling centers to maintain peace and order throughout the exercise.
Vice President Koung’s appearance at the polls was a symbolic gesture of civic participation and political continuity. As a son of Nimba himself, his presence added weight to the day’s proceedings, though it did little to immediately boost the visibly sluggish voter turnout.
Election officials remain hopeful that participation will improve as the day progresses, especially as residents return from their farms and daily activities. The NEC has urged citizens to take advantage of the opportunity to select their next representative in the Senate, emphasizing the importance of the democratic process in shaping the future of the county and the nation.
The by-election is being closely watched both locally and nationally, as Nimba remains one of Liberia’s most politically significant counties. Voter turnout and the conduct of the process will be critical to the legitimacy of the result.
