The National Elections Commission (NEC) says it has officially acknowledged the receipt of a communication from the House of Representatives declaring a vacant seat in the 55th National Legislature.
According to the NEC, a letter from the House, dated May 26, 2025, and signed by Chief Clerk Mildred N. Sayon, informed the electoral body of a vacancy in Electoral District 5, Nimba County.
The vacancy follows the election of Representative Samuel G. Kogar to the Senate, thereby vacating his seat in the Lower House.
According to a press release issued in Monrovia, in the correspondence addressed to NEC Chairperson Davidetta Browne Lansanah, the House of Representatives urged the Commission to act in line with its constitutional mandate, citing the letter as sufficient legal authority for the NEC to proceed.
The Commission referenced Article 37 of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia, which stipulates: “In the event of a vacancy in the Legislature caused by death, resignation, expulsion or otherwise, the presiding officer shall within 30 days notify the Elections Commission thereof.
The Elections Commission shall not later than 90 days thereafter cause a By-election to be held; provided that where such vacancy occurs within 90 days prior to the holding of general elections, the filling of the vacancy shall await the holding of such general elections.”
With this constitutional provision in view, the NEC is now set to initiate preparations for the conduct of a by-election in Nimba County’s District 5, unless the vacancy falls within the 90-day threshold of the next general elections.
Meanwhile, the Commission has yet to announce a specific date for the pending by-election.
