Liberia:Speaker Koffa Set to Declare 10 House Seats Vacant Amidst Absenteeism Concerns

By Konah Rufus

As the split continues within the Liberian House of Representatives, Speaker J. Fonati Koffa is reportedly preparing to declare ten seats vacant due to persistent absenteeism and alleged constitutional violations. Sources close to the House leadership indicate that an emergency meeting has been convened for Monday to address these issues, referencing Article 37 of the Liberian Constitution and Rule 21 of the House’s standing rules.

While the specific seats affected have not been publicly identified, speculation suggests they may belong to members of the Majority Bloc, potentially signaling a shift in power dynamics within the House. Should Koffa proceed with the declaration, it would grant him the necessary quorum to conduct official legislative business, allowing him to preside over sessions amidst growing tensions among lawmakers.

The Pan African Visions has learned that under Article 37 and Rule 21, prolonged absenteeism without authorization can lead to sanctions, including the declaration of a seat as vacant. According to Rule 21, no member of the House may be absent for more than two weeks without formal approval, and failure to comply could result in penalties determined by leadership in consultation with the plenary.

In preparation for this potential declaration, consultations are reportedly ongoing across various government branches. Additionally, the House leadership's legal team is preparing to file an In Re action before the Supreme Court on Friday, aiming to solidify the Speaker's authority in this matter and secure judicial backing for his decision.

Legal experts assert that Speaker Koffa retains his constitutional powers to preside over the House until formally removed through established processes. They emphasize that Article 37 empowers him to take action against absenteeism, a power he is expected to utilize with the support of House leadership.

Meanwhile, a source from the National Elections Commission (NEC) has confirmed that meetings between the NEC and House leadership are taking place, although the objectives of these discussions remain undisclosed. As this situation unfolds, the political landscape in Liberia's legislative body could see significant changes.