Nimba County Preparations for Senatorial By-Election After PYJ’s Passing
Nimba County is set for a senatorial by-election on April 22, 2025, to replace the late Senator Prince Yormie Johnson. Key candidates in the race include Representative Samuel Kogar, endorsed by Vice President Jeremiah Koung, and Madam Edith Gongloe Wehyee, the sole female candidate. The election highlights discussions on inclusivity and representation as local leaders encourage citizens to carefully consider their choices.
Nimba County is preparing for a significant senatorial by-election on April 22, 2025, following the death of long-serving Senator Prince Yormie Johnson. A heated debate is ongoing among Nimbaians about who should fill the nine-year term left vacant by Senator Johnson, who was a prominent figure in Nimba politics. He died unexpectedly in 2024, after a notable 27-year tenure in the Senate since 2005.
A recent survey by A NEW DAWN indicates that out of nine Representatives in the county, six, alongside the current Senator Nya D. Twayen, Jr., are endorsing Representative Samuel Kogar for the Senate seat. Meanwhile, Representatives Taa Wongbay and Musa Hassan Bility are supporting different candidates, with Wongbay endorsing Madam Edith Google Wehyee and Bility backing former County Inspector Mack Gbliwon from his Citizens Movement for Change.
The by-election is expected to be competitive, with major endorsements fueling the campaigns of four out of eight candidates. Representative Kogar, who is affiliated with Senator Johnson’s Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR), is reportedly gaining support, including that of Vice President Jeremiah Koung. Koung’s endorsement is seen as a significant boost for Kogar’s campaign, as many Nimbaians view him as a fitting successor to Senator Johnson.
Critics, however, warn that electing Kogar may necessitate another by-election, further straining the country’s already challenged budget. In support of Kogar, Vice President Koung emphasized the importance of maintaining the legacy of the late Senator Johnson, who belonged to the Gio tribe.
Conversely, Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe, a former Presidential candidate, argues for a balanced representation in the Senate, suggesting that the ruling Unity Party and MDR already possess adequate representation from Nimba. Cllr. Gongloe emphasizes the need for political inclusivity, addressing the underrepresented groups in Nimba County, including women and various ethnic communities.
Gongloe champions Madam Edith Gongloe Wehyee, the only female candidate, who has previously performed well in senatorial elections and holds significant potential for bringing diverse representation to the Senate. Notably, she originates from a district that has yet to produce a senator. This election marks Kogar’s second attempt at a Senate seat, while Madam Wehyee is contesting for the fourth time.
The impending senatorial by-election in Nimba County is poised to elicit extensive discussions regarding representation and political inclusivity. Leading contenders include Representative Samuel Kogar and Madam Edith Gongloe Wehyee, both of whom have garnered significant endorsements. As Nimbaians prepare to make a choice between continuity and change, the results could shape the political landscape in Liberia, emphasizing the importance of diverse voices in the Senate.
Original Source: thenewdawnliberia.com
