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ADNews-Nimba: In a bold and urgent statement delivered on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, ahead of the most anticipated senatorial by-election in Nimba County, senatorial candidate Madam Edith Gongloe Weh accused Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung of direct interference in the ongoing senatorial election, calling the situation “unprecedented and troubling.”
By Benjamin Quaye Johnson benjaminqjohnson@gmail.com
Weh has expressed serious concerns over what she described as the abuse of state resources, voter intimidation, and systematic violations of Liberia’s electoral code of conduct—allegedly carried out under the direction or with the involvement of the Liberian Vice President, who is not a candidate in the race.
“This is a senatorial election,” Weh said. “Yet, it is being treated like a presidential campaign by the Vice President of the Republic of Liberia. The level of interference is not only unlawful—it’s dangerous.”
Weh disclose that Koung has been using the official vice-presidential motorcade to campaign across villages in Nimba County on behalf of his political ally, Representative Samuel Korgar.
According to her, civil servants in the County, especially traditional and local Chiefs, have been threatened with dismissal should they refuse to support Koung’s preferred candidate, accusing journalists of receiving bribes to report in Koung’s preferred candidate’s favor.
“These are clear violations of our laws and democratic principles,” she asserted. “It is unacceptable that the Vice President, who is not even a candidate, is inserting himself so deeply into this election and using his position to manipulate the process.” Weh intoned.
She also reported multiple instances of electoral violence, particularly in the Brooklyn area, where her campaign team was reportedly denied access, accusing Kogar-Koung supporters of driving vehicles through her campaign crowd to cause fear, panic, and disruption.
“The Vice President has not only failed to condemn these actions—he has enabled them,” she declared. “This is electoral violence. This is a threat to our democracy and to the peace and security of our nation.”
Weh is urging the National Elections Commission (NEC) to swiftly investigate the allegations and take decisive action to uphold the integrity of the elections’ body, calling on the international community, including Liberia’s diplomatic partners, to monitor developments in Nimba closely.
“We are a close-knit society. What affects one region affects us all,” she said. “We cannot allow these actions to go unchecked. The people of Nimba deserve a peaceful, free, fair, and transparent election”.
“We do not need violence. We do not need intimidation. What we need is peace, fairness, and a free democratic election. I am not contesting against you. You are not running for the Senate. You are the Vice President of Liberia. Please stop what you’re doing—it is not right, and it is not legal.” She emphasized.
Despite the mounting challenges, Weh reaffirmed her commitment to peace and civility throughout the campaign. She emphasized that her team has conducted itself with integrity and avoided provocation, even in the face of increasing hostility.
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