By Laurina B Lormia (Cub-Reporter)
Naymote Partners for Democratic Development has released its first-quarter legislative report aimed at enhancing accountability and transparency within Liberia.
Addressing the press at the office in ELWA on Tuesday June 18, 2024, the Executive Director, Eddie Jarwolo, said citizens often have limited opportunities to demand accountability from their elected representatives, primarily due to a lack of information and transparency regarding legislative functions and activities.
According to him, during the review period, Naymote observed that the leadership of both houses fostered a collaborative environment, significantly enhancing oversight compared to the previous Legislature.
“Challenges persist, including limited access to lawmakers’ voting records, the absence of a dedicated legislative website, the lack of a visible performance budget from the Executive, and lawmakers’ habitual tardiness, which hinder transparency and accountability,” Jarwolo asserted.
He stressed, during the first quarter of the first session from January 15, 2024, to April 30, 2024, the total of 33 bills were monitored by the institution, the Legislature held 78 sittings; 51 in the House of Representatives and 27 in the Liberian Senate with 56 being regular sittings, and 13 secret sittings.
The report stated, “The House considered 22 bills, passing 4 while 18 remain in the committee room. The Senate introduced 11 bills, passing 3 with 8 still in the committee room. In total, the Legislature passed six significant bills and one resolution, addressing key areas of national interest such as the economy, human rights, tourism, and trade.”
“The House of Representatives passed four bills and one resolution, while the Senate passed three bills. These bills from the Executive or Presidency were given more priority than those from members of the National Legislature,” he narrated.
“Notable legislation includes acts authorizing government spending, establishing criminal and corruption courts, implementing Value Added Taxes (VAT) replacing Goods and Services Tax (GST), approving the national budget, and creating national tourism and railway authorities,” .Naymote recalled
The report emphasized that lawmakers however participated actively in standing and ad hoc committees, contributing to regular committee reports submitted to plenary with recommendations and they played a critical role in enhancing government accountability by inviting and questioning government officials and ensuring transparency and effectiveness in government operations.
“During the period under review, lawmakers in both houses were engaged in policy advocacy and oversight functions, ensuring alignment with public interests especially during the budget debates. There were increased public hearings, confirmation of public officials and improved communication with the executive branch.”
Most lawmakers regularly attended plenary sessions and committee meetings, though some were frequently late or absent, negatively impacting legislative productivity. Despite absenteeism being a concern, lawmakers generally communicated their reasons for absences to the leadership of the House and Senate, who serve as the presiding officers.
“The Legislature remains predominantly male, with men holding 90 out of 101 seats (89.1%) and women occupying 11 seats (10.9%). Despite this gender imbalance, all legislators actively represented their constituencies, advocating for budget support for local projects and addressing public concerns,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the institution recommends that the legislature set up a functional website, and ensure voting records of members of the legislature is made public and available to assess the performance of its members.
“Voting records indicate that some lawmakers consistently participated in voting on bills and resolutions, demonstrating their engagement. However, others frequently abstained or were absent, reducing their impact on legislative decisions,” he lamented.
“The Legislature should submit itself for a full-scale financial and system audit as required of all other public institutions. Additionally, the legislature makes a deliberate effort to support constitutional reforms in support of affirmative action that increases the proportion of women in both houses.”
He concluded, the legislature, as part of its oversight responsibilities, ensures ministries, agencies, and commissions submit periodic reports that are vetted and made available to the public.
