SANNIQUELLIE, Nimba County — Voters across Nimba County are turning out peacefully today for the county’s senatorial by-election, but low early turnout has raised concerns, with several precincts reporting a slow trickle of voters during the morning and early afternoon hours.
The Liberian Investigator’s team visited voting centers at Nimba University, Shely Harrison School, and Veyipa School, where election workers, joint security officers, civil society observers, and independent monitors ensured a smooth and orderly process. International observers were also present to uphold transparency and credibility.
Despite the calm conduct of the polls, most precincts saw only light voter traffic in the early part of the day. Election workers expect a potential surge in turnout later in the afternoon as the 6 p.m. poll-closing time approaches.
Voters who cast their ballots earlier in the day reported a peaceful experience.
Emmanuel M. Binda, who voted at Nimba University, described the process as “very fine, very peaceful,” noting that there were no disruptions. “You just go, cast your vote, and come back,” he said.
William Laweyee applauded the efficient and inclusive nature of the process. “They gave chance to disabled people, the elderly, and pregnant women. I spent less than five minutes voting,” he said.
Persons with disabilities showed strong engagement at several precincts. T. Thomas S. Mussa, a musician and regional coordinator for the Christian Association of the Blind, underscored the importance of inclusive governance.
“The next senator must be open to the disabled community. We want programs that include us — education, vocational training, even media participation. We voted in peace, and we felt safe,” Mussa said.
Other PWD voters also reported a respectful process with no intimidation.
“I voted my own choice,” said one. “We need to continue the peace after the results.”
Martha G. Bella, a young mother, expressed satisfaction after voting.
“There were no threats or confusion. Everything went on smoothly,” she said. “Whether your candidate wins or not, we are all Liberians. We must accept the result and remain peaceful.”
A young woman from Danappa added, “I didn’t face any hard time. Everything was easy. I just want for everybody to be peaceful. If your candidate doesn’t win, it’s not a fight. We should accept it and move on.”
Throughout the day, voters have emphasized the need for continued peace once the results are announced.
“After the election, no hala-hala,” one voter warned. “Let everyone sit and accept the results. Liberia is for all of us.”
A senior citizen added, “We talk to our children, tell them to stay peaceful. Even if people were supporting different sides, we try to cool them down.”
Laweyee echoed the same sentiment: “This is about Nimba County. Let’s forget about personal interests and put Nimba first.”
While voting continues, concerns persist over the low level of participation seen so far. Some believe voters are holding off until late in the day to avoid long lines.
“Some people say they’ll come late when the crowd dies down,” a resident of Danappa said.
Others raised concerns about youth apathy. “Some of them say they don’t want to vote,” one elderly woman said. “But if you don’t vote today, how will your child be a senator or president tomorrow?”
Voters widely agree that the next senator must focus on inclusive development, with tangible support for marginalized groups.
“He or she must open up programs for us,” said Mussa. “We want inclusive governance, not just promises.”
Voting is expected to end by 6 p.m. local time. Counting will begin immediately afterward at each polling place under the watchful eyes of party agents, NEC staff, observers, and the press.
As the day nears its conclusion, voters continue to call for patience and acceptance of the results.
“Any kind of way the result comes, we must accept it,” said one voter. “God has already chosen the rightful person.”
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