Published: June 19, 2025
CAPITOL HILL, Liberia – The National Elections Commission (NEC) has submitted a proposed budget of $276,404.10 to the Liberian Senate for the conduct of a by-election in Nimba County’s Electoral District #5—drawing scrutiny over what some lawmakers consider inflated allocations for fuel, generator costs, and vehicle maintenance.
In a communication dated Thursday, June 19, and read in plenary by Senate Secretary Nanborloh Singbeh, NEC Chairperson Davidetta Browne Lansanah addressed the proposal to Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, expressing the Commission’s willingness to appear before lawmakers to defend the draft.
The budget has since been forwarded to the Senate Committee on Ways, Means, Finance and Budget for further review.
Breakdown Raises Eyebrows
The NEC noted that the by-election will target 29,823 registered voters across 21 precincts and 69 polling places, averaging $9.23 per voter. However, several senators and independent observers have flagged certain line items in the proposal.
Among the most questioned allocations are:
- $24,255 for fuel and gasoline
- $13,025 for generator fuel and lubricants
- $11,700 for vehicle maintenance and servicing
The figures have raised concerns about fiscal prudence and transparency in a country grappling with budget constraints and growing public demand for accountability in government spending.
Background of the By-election
The by-election, scheduled for August 12, 2025, follows the election of Representative Samuel G. Kogar as Senator of Nimba County in April. Kogar’s senatorial victory filled the seat left vacant by the death of former Senator Prince Y. Johnson.
Kogar, a candidate of the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR), secured 62,136 votes—or 52.08% of the total valid ballots—from 736 polling centers. His closest challenger, independent candidate Edith Gongloe-Weh, earned 40,506 votes, amounting to 33.95%.
Legislative Next Steps
Following a motion by Nimba County Senator Nya D. Twayen Jr., the Senate voted to refer the NEC’s proposed budget to its Committee on Ways, Means, Finance and Budget. The committee is expected to evaluate whether the financial request reflects legitimate election-related costs or includes unnecessary padding.
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