Published: April 23, 2025
SANNIQUELLIE, Nimba County – The National Elections Commission has released early results from Monday’s hotly contested Nimba County senatorial by-election, with independent candidate Edith Gongloe Weh taking an early lead as tallying reaches just over 12% of polling places.
NEC Chairperson Davidetta Browne Lansanah, flanked by commissioners, announced Tuesday that votes from 94 of the county’s 736 polling places—representing 12.77%—have been processed at tally centers in Sanniquellie and Tappita.
Preliminary results announced include:
- Edith Gongloe Weh (Independent): 7,275 votes – 46.55%
- Samuel G. Kogar (MDR): 6,725 votes – 43.03%
- Garrison Yealue Jr. (Independent): 657 votes – 4.20%
- Mark B. Gblinwon (CMC): 623 votes – 3.99%
- Matenokay Richard Tingban (VOLT): 131 votes – 0.84%
- George P. Gonpu: 119 votes – 0.76%
- Farngalo Torbor Tee Wonokay (Independent): 99 votes – 0.63%
Total valid votes: 15,629
Total invalid votes: 353
Total votes cast: 15,982
NEC Cautions Against Premature Declarations
Chairperson Lansanah reminded the public that only the NEC is authorized to declare official election results. She warned that any announcement of victory by candidates or political parties ahead of the Commission’s official statement is “null and void.”
“When we say it, that’s when it becomes authentic,” Lansanah said firmly.
Reports of Tally Sheet Tampering
Lansanah also addressed reports of polling station tally sheets being torn down shortly after the close of polls. Calling it a “recurring issue,” she urged citizens to uphold democratic norms and civic responsibility.
She reassured the public that the official tally sheets remain secure and results are properly documented and shared with party agents present at tallying centers.
Addressing Tallying Discrepancies
Responding to concerns over possible discrepancies during vote tallying, NEC officials explained that errors may occur while calculating the sum of valid and invalid votes. These are corrected during the verification stage, which includes oversight from political parties and NEC-trained personnel.
Election Materials Under Retrieval
Lansanah said efforts to retrieve sensitive and non-sensitive election materials are ongoing, though some delays have been caused by poor road access in remote areas. Despite logistical hurdles, she said, all materials are being transported under proper supervision to magisterial offices for documentation and audit.
No Official Complaints Filed
As of Tuesday’s briefing, the NEC reported that it had not received any official complaints from candidates or political parties regarding the conduct of the by-election.
Lansanah concluded by thanking the media, international and domestic election observers, and the general public for their cooperation and support. She encouraged citizens to follow NEC briefings for verified updates as the tallying process continues.
The next update on preliminary results is expected at 6 p.m. this evening.
Discussion about this post