By Bill W. Cooper
The race for who becomes the country’s next Senate Pro-Tempore is witnessing intense competition between the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), Unity Party (UP), and other independent candidates.
It follows, after the latest disclosure from Grand Bassa County Senator-elect, Gbehzohngar Findley, to contest the upcoming Pro-Tempore election against the lead candidate, Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence of the same county.
Senator-elect Findley’s latest decision however was triggered following the sanctioning of Senate Pro-Tempore Albert Chie and Margibi County Senator, Emmanuel Nuquay, who were also poised to contest for the position, by the United States Government.
Sen. Karnga-Lawrence of the fragile Liberty Party (LP) has since emerged as the leading figure to become the next Pro-Tempore, following her endorsement of incoming UP government, having served as the party’s campaign manager, leading them to victory.
On the contrary, Sen.-elect Findley, who won as an independent candidate, and a one-time strong supporter of Sen. Nuquay for the Pro-Tempore position, prior to his sanction, has decided to compete with his kinswoman, on grounds that some of his colleagues pleaded with him to contest the position.
However, the competition between these two senators, especially hailing from the same county, has ignited a spirited political debate and stirred considerable excitement among the citizens of Liberia.
Sen. Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, firstly throwing her hat in the ring, is a seasoned and experienced politician with an impressive track record of public service, serving one and a half terms at the Liberian Senate.
Sen. Karnga-Lawrence, over those years, has represented the people of Grand Bassa County with great dedication and commitment, as her vast experience and deep understanding of governance have earned her immense respect within political circles.
Equally so, Sen.-elect Gbehzohngar Findley is a seasoned and experienced Statesman, having once served as Pro-Tempore of the Liberian Senate before his defeat to outgoing Senator, Jonathan Kiapay, in 2014.
Findley, who also served as the Liberian Foreign Minister during the inception of President George Weah’s government, has now emerged as a formidable force, posing a significant threat to Sen. Karnga-Lawrence’s chance of becoming Pro-Tempore.
His grassroots appeal and innovative ideas, coupled with his endorsement of the re-election of President Weah of the CDC, have also positioned him as a strong contender for the Pro-Tempore position.
The Pro-Tempore role holds great significance in Liberia’s governance structure, as it is responsible for presiding over the Senate in the absence of the Vice President, coupled with shaping of the legislative agendas.
The Senate Pro-Tempore also facilitates effective communication between the Executive and Legislative branches, and is not only a figurehead, but also a key decision-maker who wields considerable influence over the direction of the nation.
The role of Senate Pro-Tempore has often been subject to keen interest and intense lobbying, being that the position, as well as other committees’ heads, is decided by a democratic means through an open voting process.
As the countdown begins for this decisive moment, reports have it that both candidates have embarked on intense campaigns, crisscrossing the length and breadth of the Senate Chamber.
According to information gathered, both candidates have also been engaging with their colleagues, addressing concerns, and promoting their visions for a better Senate during the 55th Legislature.
With the ongoing push for the Pro-Tempore position, the outcome of the election will not only determine the leadership of the Pro-Tempore position, but could also have far-reaching implications for the future trajectory of the nation, through the Senate.
