The National Elections Commission (NEC) on Friday, February 25, 2022 submitted a budget of US$1,934,720.80 (one million, nine hundred thirty-four thousand, seven hundred twenty United States dollars and 80 cents) to the National Legislature.
This follows the February 16, 2022 notification to the NEC of the existence of a vacancy in the Liberian Senate for a seat for Lofa County.
A statement from the NEC said the Commission also submitted its timeline for the conduct of the senatorial by-election in Lofa County, in which it set the election day for May 10, 2022.
The Commission said it was acting upon the notification of a vacancy in the Senate pursuant to Article 37, which states, “In the event of a vacancy in the Legislature, caused by death, resignation, expulsion or otherwise, the Presiding Officer shall within 30 days notify the National Elections Commission thereof. The National Elections Commission shall not later than 90 days thereafter cause a by-election to be held; provided that where such vacancy occurs within 90 days prior to the holding of general elections, the filling of the vacancy shall await the holding of such general elections.”
Meanwhile a steering committee for the Lofa senatorial by-election has been setup to coordinate the activities of the by-election. According to the NEC statement, Commissioner Ernestine Morgan Awar heads the Lofa Senatorial By-Election Steering Committee.