By Bill W. Cooper
The Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR) has raised serious concerns regarding two qualified candidates’ eligibility for the upcoming Nimba County senatorial by-election, citing violations of Liberia’s election laws.
The two candidates are Madam Edith Gongloe-Weh, independent, and T. Wonokay-Farngalo, independent, as both of them are being accused of breaching the voter registration regulations.
The upcoming by-election, which is set to fill the vacant senatorial seat left by the late Prince Johnson following his death in 2024, has already stirred controversy even before the campaign officially commenced.
However, the complaint followed a pronouncement by the National Elections Commission (NEC), officially opening the campaign period for the upcoming senatorial by-election, coupled with the release of the qualified candidates for the election.
The NEC announced the list of seven qualified candidates, confirming Samuel G. Kogar of the MDR; Edith Gongloe-Weh, independent; B. Mack Gblinwon of the Citizens Movement for Change (CMC), and Garrison Yealu, independent.
Others are R. Matenokay Tingban, Vision for Liberia’s Transformation (VOLT); Torbor Wonokay Fahngolo, independent, and George P. Gonpu, of the African Democratic Movement (ADML).
According to a statement issued by NEC, the political campaigns officially began yesterday, March 31, 2025, and will run through April 19, 2025, but the MDR has taken a firm stance against the two candidates over their alleged breach of the election laws.
In its petition addressed to NEC Chairperson, Davidetta Browne Lansanah yesterday, March 31, 2025, MDR further called on the Commission to speedily investigate the alleged violations of the country’s election laws by the two senatorial candidates.
The party further questioned the eligibility of Tee Wonokay-Farngalo and Madam Edith Gongloe-Weh to contest in the upcoming senatorial by-election, citing potential breaches of voter registration regulations that could undermine the integrity of the electoral process.
According to the MDR’s petition,Farngalo is alleged to have previously registered and contested as a candidate in Montserrado County, District 3, during the 2023, Presidential and Legislative Elections.
The party further argued that, if confirmed, the issue raises serious legal questions regarding his qualifications and chance to seek another elective position in Nimba County, which, per the record, he is not a registered voter.
MDR at the same alleged in its communication that Madam Weh registered through a proxy—specifically, her sister—which, if substantiated, could constitute a direct violation of the country’s election laws.
The party, outlining their grievances, further emphasized the importance of adhering to the country’s electoral laws designed to ensure a fair and transparent election process across Liberia.
Meanwhile, NEC is yet to respond to the MDR’s complaint, but one thing that is for sure is that as the campaign period officially begins, the political atmosphere in Nimba County is charged with anticipation and tension.
Voters are eager to hear from the candidates about their plans and visions for the county, but the outcome of the NEC’s investigation into the allegations could significantly impact the candidates’ ability to campaign effectively and their overall chances of success in the election.