By Jacqueline Dennis
The Supreme Court of Liberia has dismissed an appeal filed by Madee K. Wongbay of the Rebuilders Party, effectively ending her challenge to the August 2025 by-election results in Nimba County District #5.
The ruling, delivered on September 16, upholds the National Elections Commission’s (NEC) declaration of Mr. Kortor S. Kwagrue of the MDR Party as the duly elected Representative of the district. Kwagrue won with 7,196 votes, defeating Wongbay by 2,481 ballots.
Wongbay alleged widespread irregularities and voter suppression across 69 polling places and sought a full recount. But the Court found her appeal procedurally flawed and lacking legal merit.
In its opinion, the high court underscored the strict requirements for filing a bill of exceptions—the formal document needed to challenge an NEC ruling. Citing Section 6.5 of the New Elections Law and Section 51.7 of the Civil Procedure Law of 1973, the justices noted that such filings must clearly state the legal grounds, include a prayer for relief, and be signed by the appellant—not solely by legal counsel.
Lawyers for Kwagrue argued that Wongbay’s submission was defective, containing vague allegations of rights violations without specifying legal grounds or a request for relief, and improperly signed by her counsel.
Wongbay’s team countered that the appeal met all statutory requirements, insisting the bill adequately outlined her objections and requested relief. They urged the Court to consider the appeal on its merits.
The justices disagreed. They ruled that Wongbay’s objections—including claims of a denied motion for change of venue, alleged abandonment, and due process violations—were insufficiently specific and procedurally noncompliant.
“WHEREFORE, and in view of the foregoing, the movants’ motion to dismiss the respondent’s appeal is hereby granted, and the appeal is dismissed,” the Court declared.
With the decision, Kwagrue’s victory is now final, confirming him as the official Representative of Nimba County District #5.
