Campaign Closing Messages Ahead of Tuesday Poll -NEC Boss, Gongloe-Weh, VP Koung Calls for Unity, Peace

MONROVIA – Nimba County senatorial by-election has been as an electrifying, verbally obscene and somewhat memorable moment not only for the citizens on the homeland but also to friends of Nimba County and friends of contestants. Nimba’s political relevance in the country is widely acknowledged not only because it is the second most populated province but also because it is fast growing into a relatively economically viable zone. No wonder why a mix of political interests is generated by the by-elections and heightened tensions have risen in the county. To calm the tension towards polls Tuesday, the National Elections Commission and other prominent stakeholders are making their final interventions more amiable and reconciling, as The Analyst reports.       

With balloting pending tomorrow, Tuesday, in the Nimba County by-elections, well-meaning stakeholders are calling for peace, unity and reconciliation, pleading for tuning down of fiery rhetoric.

Speaking to the nation over the weekend, the head of the National Elections Commission (NEC), Davidetta Brown-Lasannah called for responsible campaign and peace during polls Tuesday, April 22, 2025, when the Commission will be holding the most awaited senatorial by election.

She called on Nimba citizens – “our mothers, fathers, sisters and brothers, who are registered voters in Nimba County to turn out in your numbers to go the place where you registered and vote on Tuesday, April 22, in the senatorial by election in Nimba county.”

She said all registered voters are permitted to vote only one time using a validate voter registration card at the center where they had register.

“Once the campaign closes today, and it’s going to close today, no one will be allowed to wear any party or campaign materials,” she warned. “No more wearing of party T-shirts, party caps, or any materials that was used during the campaign period.”

She declared: “Fellow Liberians, mainly the registered voters of Nimba County, once again, I am your humble servant, Davidetta Brown Lansana, Chairperson of the National Election Commission of Liberia.  Today, at this time, I declare the political campaign closed at midnight on 19 April 2025.”

VP Koung: Nimba needs Unity, Peace

Also making what seemingly was his closing statements appearing on Radio Nimba over the weekend, Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung said he opts to uphold the historic balance of unity and leadership in Nimba County, ensuring fair and equitable representation for all.

VP Koung emphasized his dedication to preserving the long-standing tradition of “one Mahn, one Dan,” a principle that has shaped Nimba’s leadership since the county’s establishment in 1964 under President Tubman.

Addressing concerns over past disruptions to this tradition, particularly the 2011 break in practice, he reassured citizens that the leadership balance was fully restored in 2020.

Koung vowed to continue promoting this ideal, stating, “Since 1964, Nimba has enjoyed leadership rooted in fairness and equitable representation, and I am committed to preserving that legacy.”

Joining him on air was Nimba County Superintendent Kou Meapeh Gono, further strengthening the message of unity and peace for the county.

The Vice President’s words resonated with the local community, underscoring his dedication to ensuring that Nimba’s leadership remains inclusive, balanced, and peace-driven.

Gongloe-Weh: “Lift Up Nimba Flag”

In her final campaign pitch, senatorial candidate Edith Gongloe-Weh says the fight for the senate seat to replace fallen Prince Y. Johnson, is a fight for all Nimba County people.

“We want to continue to fight for the people of Nimba, to fight for them in the legislature, to ensure that they get their fair share of the national cake, to lift up the Nimba flag high in the Senate, and also fight for the Republic of Liberia, because decisions made in the Senate are decisions that impact the entire country.”

Those were words of Edith Gongloe Weh as she closed her campaign.

She added: “To my fellow Nimbians, you have spoken and you have spoken well. We’ve listened to you. We’ve listened to your cries. We’ve heard the things that matter to you most, what you want, quality education. We’ve heard you, to our young people, we’ve heard you.”

She said citizens who expressed desires for opportunity to be able to enroll in tertiary institutions and learn skills that will help, “I have heard your request.”

“We’ve heard you. We’ve heard you – women, women of Nimba – who want their voices to be heard who want the plight of women to be factored in the discussions in Nimba, we’ve heard you,” she further asserted.

“We’ve heard you women of Nimba, who want their voices to be heard; who want the plight of women to be factored in the discussion in Nimba. We heard even our men who are siding with their daughters and realize that what is happening in Nimba, the marginalization of the political voice of women in Nimba, must be addressed.”

The only female candidate in the race also added: “We heard you and that is why we answered to your call to participate in this election. Together, we can work and make your dreams of becoming a viable county work in this country.”

“And so, as we work together and inch towards the end of this campaign at 12-midnight tonight, don’t forget to vote on Tuesday. Don’t forget to vote number three. Make sure whatever you have, whatever schedule it is, let that be secondary to your voting. Turn to the polls. Vote on Tuesday and above all when you vote, especially to the young men, to our motorcyclists who are so enthusiastic about our leadership, protect the vote.”

She called on her voters to remain at the voting center even after voting to ensure that their votes are protected.

“We’ve gotten a lot of intelligence,” she further noted. “There’s going to be a dark unmarked vehicle, an SUV, a jeep. When you see that, make sure you are washing those unmarked cars, those black cars, they are not to any good.”

“We’ve heard of marked ballots that they are trying to use to ballot stop this election,” she further warned the voters.

“Please remain to be your own security in this election. Watch your ballot. Be vigilant. Report any fishy movement about people who you don’t know – any strange movements in your communities must be reported.”