The political landscape of Nimba County has been thrown into uncertainty as questions arise over the eligibility of Justin Oldpa Yeazeahn, widely known as Prophet Key, to contest in the upcoming senatorial by-election.
The controversy stems from allegations by Unity Partisan, who claims that Prophet Key, a prominent religious figure turned politician, is not a registered voter in Liberia. The critic further asserts that the Voter ID number submitted on Prophet Key’s candidate nomination form does not exist in the National Elections Commission (NEC) database, as verified by the NEC’s “Voter Check” system.
Multiple sources within the NEC have confirmed to journalists that Prophet Key did not participate in the 2023 Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) process, raising serious concerns about his compliance with electoral laws.
However, the situation takes a legal twist. While being a registered voter is typically a standard requirement for candidates, Liberia’s Constitution emphasizes domicile, meaning a candidate must primarily reside in the county they seek to represent, rather than mandating voter registration as a strict condition for eligibility.
This legal nuance opens a potential pathway for Prophet Key to remain on the ballot, even if he cannot cast a vote for himself.
The revelation has sparked mixed reactions across Nimba County. Supporters of Prophet Key argue that his community influence and grassroots connections outweigh technicalities, while critics insist that electoral laws must be upheld to ensure fairness.
“If the law says he doesn’t need to be a registered voter, then he should be allowed to run,” said one resident of Ganta. “But if he didn’t even register, how committed is he to the democratic process?”
Opponents, however, see this as a test of the NEC’s credibility. “The rules should apply to everyone equally,” remarked a local civil society activist. “If exceptions are made, it undermines public trust in our elections.”
The NEC has yet to issue an official statement on Prophet Key’s candidacy. Legal experts suggest that if his nomination is challenged, the matter could escalate to the Supreme Court for interpretation.
