Capitol Hill, Liberia – The National Elections Commission has come under legislative scrutiny after submitting a $276,404.10 budget proposal to conduct a by-election in Nimba County’s Electoral District #5. The substantial allocation has raised eyebrows among senators who question the necessity of certain expenditures, particularly regarding fuel, generator operations, and vehicle maintenance costs.
In an official communication dated June 19 and presented to the Senate plenary, NEC Chairperson Davidetta Browne Lansanah outlined the financial requirements for the upcoming electoral process. Senate Secretary Nanborloh Singbeh delivered the correspondence to Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, with the NEC expressing readiness to justify its proposed spending before lawmakers. The Senate has since referred the matter to its Committee on Ways, Means, Finance and Budget for detailed examination.
The budget proposal accounts for 29,823 registered voters spread across 21 precincts and 69 polling places, translating to approximately $9.23 per voter. However, several line items have drawn particular criticism from legislators and civil society observers. The NEC’s request includes $24,255 designated for fuel and gasoline, $13,025 for generator fuel and lubricants, and $11,700 for vehicle maintenance and servicing – figures that some consider disproportionately high given Liberia’s current economic challenges.
This by-election, scheduled for August 12, 2025, became necessary following the election of former District #5 Representative Samuel G. Kogar to the Senate in April. Kogar, representing the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction party, secured his senatorial seat with 62,136 votes, representing 52.08% of valid ballots cast. His victory filled the vacancy created by the passing of former Senator Prince Y. Johnson, with independent candidate Edith Gongloe-Weh finishing as runner-up with 40,506 votes.
The legislative review process gained momentum when Nimba County Senator Nya D. Twayen Jr. moved to have the budget proposal thoroughly examined. The Senate unanimously agreed to task its finance committee with determining whether the NEC’s financial request reflects genuine operational needs or contains inflated expenditures. This scrutiny comes amid growing public demand for greater transparency in government spending and more efficient use of state resources.
The committee’s findings could have significant implications for future electoral budgets and may establish new benchmarks for fiscal responsibility in Liberia’s democratic processes. As the review progresses, stakeholders await clarity on whether the proposed allocations will be approved as submitted, modified, or rejected entirely.
The Senate committee is expected to conduct its review, with findings being presented to the full chamber for consideration in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, preparations for the by-election continue, with electoral officials maintaining they require the requested funds to ensure a credible and well-organized voting process.
The National Elections Commission maintains that all budgeted items reflect actual operational requirements necessary to conduct free, fair, and transparent elections. However, lawmakers insist on rigorous vetting to guarantee that every dollar spent delivers maximum value for the Liberian people.
