-In Liberian Legislature
By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia, [– A new report by Naymote Partners for Democratic Development has revealed significant challenges in the operations of the Liberian Legislature, including chronic delays in legislative sessions, excessive noise disrupting proceedings, and a lack of transparency in committee activities.
In its observations segment, the report highlights a persistent issue of tardiness among lawmakers, with many failing to attend scheduled sessions on time. Despite official plenary sessions being set for Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:00 AM, sessions frequently start as late as 12:00 PM. In some cases, sessions end without breaks, further straining lawmakers’ ability to effectively deliberate on critical issues.
“The presiding officer has often been compelled to adjourn sessions due to excessive noise within the chambers,” the report states. This lack of decorum, coupled with delayed roll calls until a quorum is present, has significantly hindered the efficiency of legislative proceedings.
The report also raises concerns about the opacity of committee activities, which are central to the Legislature’s functions. Naymote monitors were unable to obtain any committee reports over the past year, making it difficult to assess the effectiveness of key committees such as Public Accounts, Ways & Means, Finance, Health, and Education.
“Although lawmakers regularly submit communications for discussion, many of these items become stuck in committee rooms with no clear follow-up or resolution,” the report notes. This lack of transparency and accountability has raised questions about the Legislature’s ability to fulfill its oversight and lawmaking responsibilities.
Legislative Performance Overview
Despite these challenges, the report acknowledges some progress in the Legislature’s work during the first sitting of the 55th Legislature (January to December 2024). Key findings include: The House of Representatives held 146 sittings, including regular, secret, leadership, and extraordinary sessions.
The Senate convened 76 sittings, including special sessions.
A total of 32 legislative instruments were passed by the House, including 10 House bills, 2 resolutions, and 2 certificates of extension/reconvening.
The Senate acted on 29 legislative instruments, including 18 ratifications, 7 enactments, and 4 amendments. The Senate confirmed 996 nominees, while 38 legislative proposals remain under review in committee rooms.
Gender Imbalance in Representation
The report also highlights the underrepresentation of women in the Legislature, with only 3 women in the Senate and 8 in the House of Representatives. This gender disparity underscores the need for policies and legislative frameworks to promote gender parity and enhance women’s political participation.
Meanwhile, Naymote calls for significant reforms to enhance accountability, integrity, and institutional effectiveness. Key recommendations include: Strengthening Oversight: Improving the Legislature’s ability to monitor and hold the Executive Branch accountable. Promoting Inclusivity: Implementing policies to increase women’s representation and participation in governance. Enhancing Transparency: Ensuring timely access to committee reports and fostering greater public engagement in legislative processes.
The Legislative Digest
The Legislative Digest, introduced during the 54th Legislature, serves as a critical tool for monitoring the performance of Liberia’s legislative body. By tracking key performance indicators such as the introduction of legislative instruments and public engagement through petitions and hearings, the Digest aims to strengthen the social contract between elected officials and the public.
“The Liberian Legislature plays a crucial role in ensuring accountability, transparency, and responsiveness in governance,” the report concludes. “Reforms are essential to address existing challenges and advance democratic governance in Liberia.”
