IPNEWS:The National Elections Commission (NEC) has submitted a staggering budget of US$2,572,739.50 for the 2025 Nimba County senatorial by-election. The election is intended to fill the seat left vacant by the passing of Senator Prince Y. Johnson, a long-time political figure in Nimba County.
However, this proposed budget has ignited the public must cry out, as it marks a significant increase of US$828,180.84 (approximately 47.5% more) compared to the US$1,743,558.66 allocated for the 2023 senatorial by-election in the same Nimba County. The previous election was held to replace the current Vice President, Jeremiah Kpahn Koung.
With a nearly 50% budget hike in just one year, many Liberians, civil society organizations, and financial experts are questioning the justification behind this sharp increase in costs for a similar electoral process in the same county.
Breakdown of the Budget Discrepancy
The proposed 2025 by-election budget raises several critical questions:
- Why has the cost of conducting the same type of election in the same geographical location increased so dramatically in just one year?
- What additional expenditures have been included in the 2025 budget that were not part of the 2023 by-election?
- Are there new logistical, security, or operational costs that were absent in 2023?
- Or is this a deliberate attempt to inflate the budget for personal or political gain?
Given the current economic challenges facing the country, including rising inflation, unemployment, and budgetary constraints, the public deserves a full explanation from the NEC, under the leadership of the Acting Chairperson Cllr. Teplah Reeves and the four-member Board of Commissioners, regarding this significant cost increase.
Legislative and Financial Oversight is Needed
This new budget proposal has been submitted to key governmental entities, including:
- The Speaker of the House of Representatives
- The President Pro Tempore of the Senate
- The Chairpersons of the Elections Committees in both the House and Senate
- The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP)
Before this budget is approved or disbursed, both the Legislature and the Ministry of Finance must conduct a comprehensive review and hearing on the matter. The entire NEC Board, led by Cllr. Teplah Reeves, should be summoned to explain the rationale behind this budget increase in a public forum.
Additionally, the Minister of Finance must NOT authorize payment until a clear, detailed justification is provided. The Liberian people cannot afford to have public funds mismanaged, misallocated, or outright stolen in the name of democracy.
Public Concerns Over Possible Corruption and Financial Mismanagement
The sharp increase in the NEC’s budget has raised suspicions that this additional funding may be intended for personal enrichment rather than for legitimate electoral expenses. Given Liberia’s history of public sector corruption, many are questioning whether this budget is being padded to benefit select officials within the NEC, the government, or politically connected individuals.
If the budget increase is not justified with concrete evidence, it could amount to a deliberate misuse of government funds. Such financial misconduct would not only undermine the integrity of the NEC but could also further erode public trust in Liberia’s electoral system.
Call for Transparency and Accountability
Liberians across the country are calling for greater accountability and transparency from the NEC. The following steps must be taken to ensure that public funds are not misused:
- Full Public Disclosure of the 2025 By-Election Budget
- The NEC must release a detailed breakdown of the proposed budget, explaining the cost differences between the 2023 and 2025 elections.
- Legislative Hearing and Public Scrutiny
- The House of Representatives and the Senate must call the NEC Board to testify under oath and explain the budget increase.
- Independent Audit of NEC’s Financial Activities
- A comprehensive forensic audit should be conducted on the NEC’s financial records after the Nimba by-elections which is organized by Teplah and the current board to know how they expended the by-elections funds.
- MFDP Must Withhold Payment Until Justification is Provided
- The Minister of Finance should freeze the disbursement of funds until the NEC provides a valid reason for the budget hike.
- Civil Society and Media Engagement
- Independent watchdog organizations, investigative journalists, and election monitoring groups must closely scrutinize the NEC’s spending to prevent financial malpractice.
Liberians Demand Answers
The 2025 Nimba senatorial by-election is a crucial event for Liberia’s democratic process, but the NEC must operate with financial prudence and transparency. The Liberian people deserve to know why an additional US$800,000+ is required for an election that should have a similar cost structure to the one held just a year ago.
If the NEC fails to provide satisfactory answers, it could be a basis to reinforce public skepticism about corruption and financial mismanagement at the highest levels of government.
As Liberia moves forward, ensuring electoral credibility and financial integrity must be a top priority. The time for accountability is now.
