MONROVIA, Liberia – May 27, 2025 – The National Elections Commission of Liberia (NEC) has officially acknowledged and confirmed a vacant seat within the 55th National Legislature, following formal notification received from the House of Representatives. This development sets the stage for an upcoming by-election to fill the legislative gap.
In a letter dated May 26, 2025, addressed to NEC Chairperson Madam Davidetta Browne Lansanah, the House of Representatives communicated that the vacancy was created by the recent election of Representative Samuel G. Kogar, who previously served Electoral District 5 in Nimba County. The letter, bearing the signature of Chief Clerk Mildred N. Sayon, explicitly instructed the NEC to proceed in accordance with its constitutional mandates regarding such occurrences.
The process for addressing legislative vacancies in Liberia is clearly outlined in Article 37 of the 1986 Constitution. This crucial article stipulates that the presiding officer of the legislative body must notify the Elections Commission within 30 days of any legislative vacancy. Upon receiving such notification, the NEC is then obligated to organize and conduct a by-election within a maximum period of 90 days. An exception to this timeline is made only if the vacancy occurs within 90 days of a scheduled general election, in which case the seat would typically remain vacant until the next general polls.
With the official confirmation received, the National Elections Commission has affirmed its readiness to undertake all necessary actions to fill this legislative gap. The NEC will now embark on the procedures required to organize and conduct a by-election in Electoral District 5, Nimba County, ensuring that the people of the district are duly represented in the National Legislature. Further details regarding the by-election timeline and process are expected to be announced by the NEC in the coming days.
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