By Grace Bryant Mollay
Representative Richard Koon has been elected Speaker of the House of Representatives, defeating fellow lawmaker Musa Bility in a decisive vote that many see as a path to restoring unity and stability in Liberia’s fractured legislature.
The election, held on May 13 at the Capitol Building in Monrovia, saw Rep. Koon secured 43 votes against Bility’s 26, giving him a clear mandate to lead the House.
His victory ends months of internal power struggles and political infighting that had paralyzed legislative proceedings since the beginning of the year.
Rep. Koon, who represents District 11 in Montserrado County, is widely viewed as a consensus-builder and unifier.
Political observers have hailed his election as a potential turning point for the House of Representatives, which has been marred by leadership disputes and internal tensions.
In his first address as Speaker, Koon emphasized reconciliation and collective leadership.
“This is not a victory for me alone; it is a victory for the House and for Liberia.
Our people expect leadership that is transparent, accountable, and united in purpose.
I am committed to working with all of you, regardless of political affiliations, to restore the public’s confidence in this institution.”
As part of his effort to heal divisions within the legislature, Speaker Koon immediately announced the formation of a special committee tasked with promoting peace, harmony, and unity among lawmakers.
The committee’s mandate is to address the aftermath of six months of political hostility and occasional violence on Capitol Hill.
Rep. Musa Bility, who represents Nimba County, conceded defeat graciously and pledged his support for the new Speaker.
“The election is over, and it’s time to move forward. I will work with Speaker Koon in the interest of national unity and the progress of our legislative agenda.”
The election drew widespread attention from political analysts, civil society leaders, and citizens across Liberia, many of whom welcomed the outcome as a sign of renewed cooperation and legislative effectiveness.
In one of his first official acts, Speaker Koon announced key appointments to House leadership positions: Representative James Kolleh– Chairperson, Committee on Rules, Order and Administration, Representative P. Mike Jurry– Chairperson, Committee on Ways, Means and Finance, Representative SekouKanneh– Chairperson, Committee on Executive, Representative Emmanuel Dahn– Co-Chair, Committee on Executive and Representative Nehker Gaye – Chairperson, Committee on Foreign Affairs.
In a related development, the House of Representatives has lifted the suspension of 16 lawmakers who had previously been barred from legislative sessions for 30 days.
Among those reinstated are Edward P. Flomo, Abu Kamara, Marvin Cole, Frank SaahFoko Jr., Eugene K.M. Kollie, Zinnah Norman, Alex Sonnyboy Noah, and Muka K. Kamara.
Others include Jerry Yogboh, YekehKolubah, Dixon W. Seboe, Musa Bility, Samuel Enders, Thomas A. Goshua, Jacob Debee, and Luther Collins.
The suspensions tied to allegations of misconduct, absenteeism, and political disputes had stripped the lawmakers of their salaries, benefits, and access to Capitol grounds.
Representative Abu B. Kamara’s suspension had already been lifted earlier, on March 20, after he complied with the conditions set by the House Plenary.
The decision to reinstate the suspended lawmakers reflects a broader move toward reconciliation and strategic realignment within the House developments that are expected to shape legislative actions and political dynamics in the months ahead.
The House is now set to resume full legislative activities, signaling a potential fresh start for Liberia’s democratic process.
