By Nyema Nma, Jr.The National Elections Commission (NEC) has released the first provisional result of the senatorial by-election in Lofa County.
The Thursday, June 30 result puts the ruling party supported candidate, Joseph K. Jallah, in the lead ahead of UP’s candidate, Galakpai Kortimai.
Addressing a news conference yesterday at NEC headquarters in Monrovia, the NEC boss said Joseph K. Jallah got 20,482 votes constituting 40.61% while Galakpai Kortimai of the Unity Party received 16,666 votes constituting 33.04%.
Others included independent candidate Momo T. Cyrus obtained 4,753 votes which constitutes 9.42%; Mariamu B. Fofana with 5,456 votes, constituting 10.82%; Sumo G. Kupee of the People’s Unification Party (PUP) who got 1,908, constituting 3.78% and independent candidate George B. Samah receiving 1,176 votes which constitutes 2.33%.
The NEC chairperson noted that total valid votes amount to 50,441 constituting 100% while invalid summed up to 1, 742. The total vote cast is 52,183.
NEC Chairperson Davidetta Browne Lansanna lauded Lofians for the turnout and the peaceful conduct of the election and called on all candidates and parties supporters to remain calm and accept the result that will come officially.
On the question of when the final result will be released, Chairperson Browne said, “We have a constitutional 15 days period to announce that official results.”
He added that the results are 83% of the total vote cast. “381 out of 451 polling places reported,” the NEC boss said.
