MDR Calls for NEC Investigation into Nimba County Senatorial Candidates’ Eligibility

The Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR) has formally petitioned the National Elections Commission (NEC) to investigate alleged violations of election laws by two candidates in the upcoming Nimba County senatorial by-election.

In an official letter addressed to NEC Chairperson Davidetta Browne Lansanah, the MDR raised serious concerns about the eligibility of Mr. Tee Wonokay-Farngalo and Madam Edith L. Gongloe-Weh, citing potential breaches of voter registration rules that could undermine the integrity of Liberia’s electoral process.

The MDR’s petition, signed by Michael T.V. Deddeh, National Vice Chair for NEC/Elections Affairs, and attested by Koakun Emmanuel Myers, National Vice Chair for Political and Governmental Affairs, outlines two major allegations:

1. Mr. Tee Wonokay-Farngalo’s Alleged Dual Registration

• The MDR claims that Farngalo previously registered and contested in District #3, Montserrado County, during the 2023 General and Presidential Elections.
• If verified, this could disqualify him from running in Nimba County, as election laws require candidates to meet strict residency and registration criteria.

1. Madam Edith Gongloe-Weh’s Alleged Proxy Registration

• The party alleges that Gongloe-Weh bypassed legal requirements by having her sister register on her behalf, a direct violation of NEC rules, which mandate in-person voter registration.

The MDR has called on the NEC to conduct a full forensic review, including:

• QR code verification of the candidates’ voter registration records.
• Fingerprint analysis to confirm prior registrations and eligibility.
• A thorough examination of all supporting documents to ensure compliance with Liberia’s electoral laws.

With the by-election approaching, the NEC faces mounting pressure to investigate these claims promptly. Political analysts warn that any delay could cast doubt on the fairness of the electoral process.

“The NEC must act decisively to either clear these candidates or enforce the law,” said a governance expert. “Failure to do so risks eroding public trust in our democracy.”

Neither Farngalo nor Gongloe-Weh has publicly responded to the allegations. The NEC is expected to review the petition and determine whether an official inquiry is warranted.

If the claims are substantiated, the candidates could face disqualification, dramatically reshaping the Nimba County race.