Africa-Press – Liberia. The National Elections Commission (NEC) has come under Senate scrutiny after submitting a proposed budget of US$276,404.10 to fund the upcoming by-election in Nimba County’s Electoral District #5—raising red flags over what some lawmakers describe as “inflated and questionable expenditures.”
The proposed budget, submitted through a letter dated Thursday, June 19, 2025, was addressed to Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence and read on the Senate floor by Secretary Nanborloh Singbeh during the day’s plenary session.
The budget request comes as NEC prepares to conduct the by-election on August 12, 2025, to fill the vacancy created by the election of former Representative Samuel G. Kogar to the Liberian Senate. Kogar won the April 2025 special senatorial race following the death of former Senator Prince Y. Johnson, a longtime political figure in Nimba.
According to NEC Chairperson Davidetta Browne Lansanah, the budget is intended to cover all necessary logistical and operational activities for the by-election, which targets 29,823 registered voters across 21 precincts and 69 polling places. That works out to an average cost of $9.23 per voter.
However, lawmakers quickly zeroed in on what they called “excessive spending” in key line items, including US$24,255 for fuel and gasoline, $13,025 for generator fuel and lubricants and $11,700 for vehicle maintenance and servicing
These three items alone total nearly US$49,000, sparking concerns from several senators about financial prudence in the face of the country’s ongoing economic constraints.
“We must examine whether this amount genuinely reflects the cost of conducting a credible by-election,” said Senator Nya D. Twayen Jr. of Nimba County, who filed a motion for the budget to be reviewed by the Senate’s Committee on Ways, Means, Finance and Budget. “This is taxpayers’ money, and there must be transparency and justification.”
The Senate voted unanimously to send the proposed budget to the finance committee, which is expected to summon NEC officials to justify the costs before any approval is granted.
“The Commission is ready to appear and provide detailed explanations for every line item,” Chairperson Browne Lansanah stated in her letter to the Senate. “We welcome legislative oversight and remain committed to transparency and accountability.”
Despite that assurance, several lawmakers expressed doubt over what they described as “routine overspending” in past elections.
“This is not the first time we’ve seen large allocations for fuel and vehicles,” said a senator who asked not to be named. “We want to ensure the NEC is not padding the budget.”
The NEC’s proposal comes at a time when Liberians are increasingly demanding fiscal accountability and transparency from public institutions. Civil society groups have also weighed in, urging the Legislature to demand clarity before releasing funds.
“Elections are critical, yes—but every dollar must be accounted for,” said one election observer. “Inflated budgets erode public trust.”
District #5’s by-election follows the senatorial victory of Samuel G. Kogar, a candidate of the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR), who won 62,136 votes (52.08%) in April’s special election. His closest challenger, Edith Gongloe-Weh, an independent candidate, received 40,506 votes (33.95%).
With Kogar now serving in the Senate, his former House seat must be filled through a by-election as mandated by Liberian electoral law, which requires the NEC to organize a by-election within 90 days of a legislative vacancy.
The Senate Committee on Ways, Means, Finance and Budget will begin review hearings in the coming days, during which NEC officials are expected to defend their expenditure framework.
“This process is not about delay,” Senator Twayen clarified. “It’s about ensuring that public resources are not wasted or misused. The people of Nimba, and Liberia at large, deserve responsible governance.”
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