By By: Alphanso G. Kalama;
Monrovia, Liberia – The National Elections Commission (NEC) has officially received notification from the Liberian Senate regarding a vacant seat in the 55th National Legislature following the death of Senator Prince Y. Johnson of Nimba County. In a communication addressed to NEC’s Acting Chairperson, Cllr. P. Teplah Reeves, the Senate confirmed that the vacancy was declared in accordance with Article 37 of the Liberian Constitution. The letter, signed by Senate Secretary Nanborlor F. Singbeh Sr., instructed NEC to take appropriate action in filling the seat, as mandated by law.
Article 37 of the 1986 Liberian Constitution stipulates that in the event of a vacancy in the Legislature due to “death, resignation, expulsion, or otherwise,” the presiding officer of the Senate must notify NEC within 30 days. NEC is then required to organize a by-election within 90 days, except if the vacancy arises within 90 days of general elections, in which case the position remains vacant until those elections take place.
With the official notice now in NEC’s hands, the commission is expected to set a timeline for the by-election in Nimba County. If no general elections are scheduled within the next 90 days, NEC will move forward with preparations, including voter registration updates, candidate nominations, and election logistics. The late Senator Prince Y. Johnson, a former warlord turned politician, was a dominant figure in Liberian politics, known for his strong influence in Nimba County. His passing marks the end of an era, and the upcoming by-election will likely attract significant political interest as parties and independent candidates vie for the influential seat.
The Nimba County Senate seat holds strategic political importance, and the by-election could reshape the county’s representation in the Legislature. As NEC moves to implement constitutional requirements, all eyes will be on Nimba County to see who emerges as the next senator to succeed the late Prince Johnson. The National Elections Commission has not yet commented on the specifics of the upcoming electoral process, but more details are expected in the coming weeks.
