“…based on the law, lawmakers do not have the authority to determine which counties should receive additional electoral districts,”—Sen. Konneh.
Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Konneh, has strongly opposed resolution lawmakers on Capitol Hill passed to expand electoral constituencies.
By the passage of the resolution, the House of Representatives seeks to increase electoral districts from 73 to 89.
Konneh argues that the move violates the constitution, and undermines the National Elections Commission (NEC) authorities.
In a strongly worded statement, Sen. Konneh described the House’s decision as representing a “constitutional overreach.”
He insists that lawmakers do not have the authority to determine which counties should receive additional electoral districts.
Konneh: “Articles 80(d) and 80(e) of the constitution clearly define the responsibilities of both the legislature and the NEC in the electoral reapportionment process.”
He said, while the legislature is empowered to establish the national population threshold for representation after a census, the constitution assigns the NEC the exclusive responsibility of redrawing electoral boundaries.
Konneh argued that any attempt by the members of the House to create or assign new electoral districts through legislation bypasses the constitutional role of the NEC, and threatens the independence of the electoral management body.
He warned that such action could open the door to political interference in a process that the constitution deliberately places under an independent institution to ensure “fairness and equal representation.”
Konneh said, his objection is not directed at increasing the number of electoral districts where population growth justifies additional representation.
“Rather, the issue is whether the government is prepared to follow the constitutional process and uphold the rule of law.”
“The constitution provides a lawful mechanism for creating additional districts where necessary.”
Konneh stressed that nee for constitutional procedures to be respected regardless of political interests.
“If the House resolution reaches the senate, I will work with fellow senators to ensure that any legislative action that not fully comply with the constitution, remains nullified.”
Konneh meanwhile, promised to oppose any proposal that he believes usurps the constitutional mandate of NEC.
He therefore, insisted that the electoral body must be allowed to perform its responsibilities independently, fairly and without political influence.
Sen. Konneh underscored the importance of constitutional governance, declaring: “The constitution is not a suggestion, but a the supreme law of the land that every branch of government must operate within the limits it prescribes.”
His comments come amid growing public debate over the House’s proposal to expand the number of electoral districts, with critics questioning both the timing and the constitutional basis of the initiative, while supporters argue that some counties deserve greater representation based on population size.
The controversy has sparked renewed discussion over the separation of powers, and the constitutional responsibilities of democratic institutions, with legal experts and political observers expected to closely scrutinize any further legislative action.