MDR Candidate Kortor Kwagrue Secures Victory in Nimba County By-Election

Strategic Insights -

Representative-elect Kortor Kwagrue from the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR), led by Vice President Jeremiah K. Koung, has emerged victorious in the recent by-election held in Nimba County's district #5. The National Election Commission (NEC) announced the comprehensive tally reports on August 13, revealing that Kwagrue garnered 31.38% of the total votes, while his main opponent, Bories Barlea, received 25.78%. The election took place amidst heightened security measures due to clashes between supporters of the two candidates.

Key Takeaways:

  • Representative-elect Kortor Kwagrue from the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR) secured a win in the representative by-election held in Nimba County's district #5.
  • The National Election Commission's (NEC) comprehensive tally reports announced that Kwagrue garnered 4796 votes (31.38% of the total votes), while his main opponent, Bories Barlea, received 3938 votes (25.78% of the ballots cast).
  • A total of 15,789 eligible voters turned out to vote, leading to 475 invalid votes and 15,274 valid votes.
  • The NEC declared the MDR candidate the winner during a press conference in Butuoo, as he replaces current Nimba County Senator, Samuel Kogar.
  • The election took place amidst heightened security measures due to clashes between supporters of Barlea and Kwagrue during the campaign, resulting in injuries and property damage.
  • Ten candidates participated in the election, comprising three independents and seven representatives from different political parties.
  • Although the NEC's announcement did not prompt defeated candidates to concede, there are speculations of potential legal challenges to contest the results.
  • Representative-elect Kwagrue emphasized unity within the party in a social media post after the election, reassuring doubters of the MDR's support for him.
  • Nimba County had been subdivided into nine electoral districts in 2009, with District 5 encompassing three chiefdoms: Nimkweah, Nyor, and Yao, along with parts of Beo.

Statistics:

  • Total votes cast: 15,789
  • Eligible voters: 28,249
  • Valid votes: 15,274
  • Invalid votes: 475
  • Percentage of votes garnered by Representative-elect Kortor Kwagrue: 31.38%
  • Percentage of votes garnered by Bories Barlea: 25.78%
  • Number of polling places: 69
  • Number of precincts: 21
  • Total number of candidates: 10
  • Number of independent candidates: 3
  • Number of candidates from different political parties: 7

Sources:

  • National Election Commission (NEC)
  • Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR)
  • Daily Observer
  • Vice President Jeremiah K. Koung
  • Representative-elect Kortor Kwagrue