ECC, Partners Deploys Over One Hundred Election Observers in Nimba

April 22, 2025

By Matalay Kollie

Elections Coordinating Committee (ECC), in collaboration with the Liberia Election Observation Network (LEON) and the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) has deployed Over 100 election observers and supervisors in Nimba County to observe the byelection

With less than one day left before the much-anticipated by-elections in Nimba County, the Elections Coordinating Committee (ECC), in collaboration with the Liberia Election Observation Network (LEON) and the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP), has taken substantial steps to ensure a transparent and peaceful electoral process.

The announcement was made during a press conference held today in Ganta, the commercial capital of Nimba County, where representatives from the ECC, LEON, and WANEP articulated their commitment to monitoring the electoral process meticulously.

This deployment includes 88 short-term observers who will be observing vital stages of the election across all nine electoral districts.

These observers are tasked with overseeing several key phases, including the setup of polling stations, the opening of the polls, the actual voting process, and the subsequent counting and tallying of votes. In addition, 13 supervisors will support and coordinate the efforts of the short-term observers to ensure their effectiveness and adherence to established protocols.

This proactive approach underscores the need for the organizations to resolve and mitigate any potential conflicts that may arise during the electoral process, fostering an environment where voters feel safe and empowered to exercise their democratic rights.

As the election draws nearer, the ECC, LEON, and WANEP have urged all candidates and their supporters to embrace a spirit of peace and legality throughout the electoral process. The organizations have highlighted the importance of unity in the face of divisive rhetoric and ethnic tensions that have historically marred electoral events in Liberia.

They emphasized that the upcoming elections represent not only a pivotal moment for democracy in Nimba County but also a test of the community’s resilience in maintaining harmony amidst potential discord. The significance of this election is accentuated by the extensive preparation undertaken by the National Elections Commission and various stakeholders who have engaged with community members and organized dialogues in strategically identified hot spots                                                                      throughout the county. Such initiatives are aimed at fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and understanding, ensuring that the voices of all voters are heard and valued.

Nimba County’s electoral landscape is vast, with a total of 736 polling locations spread across its nine districts. The distribution is as follows: District One (81 polling locations), District Two (94), District Three (92), District Four (84), District Five (69), District Six (75), District Seven (85), District Eight (81), and District Nine (75). This geographically diverse area is home to over 300,000 registered voters, a significant number that plays a crucial role in determining the outcome of the elections.

 However, as campaigns have ramped up, there has been growing concern among observers and local leaders regarding the potential for rising ethnic tensions and divisive rhetoric from certain candidates. Such expressions could threaten the fragile peace in the region, which has worked hard to recover from the scars of past conflicts.

The vigilant presence of election observers is seen as vital in detecting and responding to any such inflammatory behavior before it escalates, thereby upholding the principles of democratic election. The collaborative efforts of the ECC, LEON, WANEP, and the National Elections Commission are a testament to the strides being made toward ensuring that the electoral process remains peaceful and orderly. In the coming hours, as election day unfolds, all eyes will be on Nimba County, where the efforts of over one hundred observers will be critical in safeguarding the integrity of the elections and promoting the democratic rights of its citizens