The House’s judiciary committee is reviewing a bill from the executive branch that aims to legislate a comprehensive legal framework for the transfer of power of the Presidency of Liberia.
By Bridgett Milton
Monrovia, August 7, 2024-The judiciary committee of the House of Representatives has begun to review a Presidential Transition Bill, seeking to ensure a smooth transition of power from one elected- president to another.
Speaking at the hearing’s opening on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, the Judiciary Committee Chair, Representative Michael Thomas, expressed strong support for modifying the Presidential Transition Bill.
He says the Bill, developed by the Law Reform Commission of Liberia, aims to establish a comprehensive legal framework to ensure a unified power transfer between democratically elected administrations.
It also seeks to eliminate historical challenges associated with transitions, thereby safeguarding democratic principles and values while incorporating best practices recognized internationally.
Rep. Thomas underscores the importance of basing policy decisions on solid evidence.
He advocates for the enhancement of legal frameworks to promote transparency and ensure equal participation in the legislative process.
The hearing, convened in the Capitol’s joint chambers, was organized by a Joint Committee on Judiciary, Elections, Executive, and Good Governance following a recent directive from the plenary.
President Joseph Boakai submitted the Presidential Transition Bill to the House of Representatives for consideration and eventual enactment into law.
The President highlights that implementation of the bill would significantly reduce procedural errors and help avert potential national crises, noting that Liberia has experienced numerous democratic transitions without a standardized legal framework to guide them.
Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Joint Committee acknowledges the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders, including the National Democratic Institute of Liberia, local and international NGOs, the National Elections Commission, and civil society organizations, in supporting the review process. Editing by Jonathan Browne
