By Grace Q. Bryant
The government has announced a delay in submitting the draft national budget for the 2025 fiscal year, citing unresolved tensions within the House of Representatives.
The Acting Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Samuel Stevquoah, conveyed this decision in official communications sent to the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives, Mildred Siryon, and Secretary of the Senate, J. Nanborlor Singbeh.
President Joseph Boakai’s letter to the Legislature informed that body about the delay in submitting the draft budget which is a result of ongoing consultations amidst the unresolved conflict within the House of Representatives.
The President also disclosed that the draft budget, originally scheduled for submission on October 31, 2024, was initially postponed to November 8, 2024, but due to the evolving situation within the legislative branch, it will be further delayed.
The delay comes as President Boakai addressed a complex political crisis within the House, marked by a recent petition for a Writ of Prohibition filed by the Speaker of the House.
The petition calls upon the Supreme Court to resolve a dispute involving a request from a majority of House members, who asked that certain Executive Branch officials appear in the Joint Chambers rather than exclusively before the Speaker.
President Boakai, giving reasons for another delay in the budget submission underscored his commitment to respecting the separation of powers among the three branches of the Liberian government.
The President further revealed that the Executive Branch is actively consulting legal experts to fully comprehend the Supreme Court’s decision and its implications.
“The President regards the evolving situation with the utmost urgency and is unwavering about upholding the sanctity of the three separate but coordinated branches of government.
“Accordingly, in light of the prevailing circumstances, the President is actively seeking extensive expert advice to ensure a thorough and compliant understanding of the Supreme Court’s ruling and its implications,” the President’s letter noted.
President Boakai expressed hope that the legislative impasse would be resolved promptly, highlighting the urgency of passing the national budget for the benefit of the country and its citizenry.
The letter then called on members of the House to put aside their differences and work towards a swift resolution of the dispute, adding, “It is the President’s prayer that members of the House of Representatives will, in the interest of all Liberians, resolve the quagmire in the shortest possible time.”
Meanwhile, the Speaker warned that allowing such a precedent could compromise the legislative process and undermine the rule of law.
In response, the Justice in Chambers declined to grant the Writ of Prohibition on November 6, leaving the House divided over procedural authority.
To better understand the implications of the Supreme Court’s position, President Boakai is consulting with legal experts to assess the ruling’s effect on Liberia’s governance structure.
Acting Minister Stevquoah emphasized that the President remains committed to upholding the independence of each government branch and finding a solution that maintains institutional respect and stability.
“The President is dedicated to preserving the sanctity of the three branches of government and ensuring that this impasse is resolved with the best interests of the Liberian people in mind,” Stevquoah stated.
Until these matters are settled, the draft budget will remain pending.
President Boakai expressed his desire for a prompt resolution within the House, noting that a cooperative and functional legislative body is essential to fulfilling the government’s duties, including passing the national budget.
The delay in the budget process highlights the challenges inherent in balancing powers within Liberia’s government, as well as the crucial need for cooperation and effective communication among legislative leaders. With the nation’s fiscal planning temporarily stalled, observers are closely watching to see if the House can overcome its internal rifts and reestablish a united front, enabling effective governance in the interest of the Liberian people.
