Proposed Additional Legislative Seats Resurfaces

By: Fiona Benson Kollie

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Richard Nagbe Koon, has constituted a Specialized Committee to conduct nationwide public consultations on proposed legislation seeking to create additional seats in the Legislature.

The decision followed an intensified and protracted debate on the floor of the House, which took place on Tuesday during the 5th Day Sitting of the 3rd Session of the 55th Legislature. During the debate, lawmakers expressed divergent views on the proposal, with some Members arguing that the creation of additional seats is not in the best interest of the Liberian people, while others maintained that the move is constitutionally grounded and aimed at improving representation.

Given the importance and national implications of the proposed legislation, Plenary agreed that broader public engagement and consultation are necessary before any further legislative action is taken.

The Specialized Committee is composed of two members from each of Liberia’s fifteen (15) counties, ensuring inclusive geographic representation and broad-based participation in the consultative process.

The Committee is chaired by Nimba County Electoral District #6 Representative,  Dorwohn T. Gleekia, with Bong County Electoral District 2 Representative,  James M. Kolleh, serving as Co-chair.

The mandate of the Committee includes engaging citizens, traditional leaders, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders across the country to gather public views, concerns, and recommendations regarding the proposed creation of additional legislative seats.

Speaker Koon emphasized that the consultation process is intended to promote transparency, inclusiveness, and national ownership of any decision taken by the House, stressing that the Legislature remains committed to acting in a manner that reflects the will and best interest of the Liberian people.

The Committee is expected to submit a comprehensive report to Plenary upon completion of its public consultations, after which the House will determine the next course of action on the proposed legislation.