By: Shallon S. Gonlor |
shallonsgonlor@gmail.com
NIMBA COUNTY, Liberia — The tense 2026 Students’ Council Election at Nimba University has concluded, with the electoral commission declaring SUP-PROSA Alliance presidential candidate, Zlanner Karkermac Yenglee the winner — breaking a record in the university’s student body politics.
According to the commission’s consolidated results announced, SUP-PROSA Alliance accumulated the total votes of 606, while its closest rival, Prince K. Darwon of the ruling Students Liberation Party (SLP), garnered 481 votes. SUP-PROSA Alliance dominated in all six colleges or polling stations, while ruling SLP trailed behind with a 125 margin. The election, held on Thursday, March 26, 2026, saw hundreds of students cast their ballots, with security personnel from the Liberia National Police and the Armed Forces of Liberia monitoring the process.
The tight race was marked by allegations of electoral irregularities, including ballot paper shortages and bias among polling staff, raised by SUP-PROSA Alliance partisans ahead of the official result announcement.
The election marked a significant shift in student politics, with the SLP’s two-term reign coming to an end. The party’s incumbent president, T. Emmanuel Nuwahn, allegedly failed to deliver on campaign promises, with his administration accused of massive corruption, lack of accountability, and mismanagement of student funds.
Incumbent president, Nuwahn also faced allegations of stealing materials meant for the student sports park project. SUP-PROSA Alliance, a coalition of student parties, campaigned on a platform of Accountability & Transparency, Development, Accessibility Leadership, Continued Advocacy, and Social Justice. Their standard bearer, Zlanner Karkermac Yenglee, positioned himself as a new breed of leader, prioritizing students’ needs and calling for a change in leadership.
At a campaign rally, Yenglee emphasized the need for responsible leaders who lead by example and integrity, questioning the SLP’s alleged corruption and lack of transparency. “A leader’s character is shaped by their upbringing,” he said, urging students to vote for a new direction. “The time is now,” he declared, “it’s time to retire the SLP and chart a new course for our university community.”
