The House of Representatives has mandated its Committees on Good Governance and Judiciary to review a formal request seeking an update on the progress of Liberiaโs constitutional review process.
The decision stems from a communication submitted to Plenary by Maryland County Electoral District #2 Representative, Hon. Anthony F. Williams, in which he called on the House to invite the Head of the Governance Commission, the Law Reform Commission, and the Ministry of Justice to appear before the Legislature and provide a comprehensive briefing on the status of the constitutional review.
In his communication, Hon. Williams stated:
โI crave the indulgence of Plenary to invite the Head of the Governance Commission, the Law Reform Commission, and the Ministry of Justice to appear before this August Body to provide a detailed briefing on the progress of the constitutional review as highlighted in the policy statement of His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr.โ
Addressing Plenary, Hon. Williams emphasized the critical importance of the Constitution as the supreme law of the Republic, noting that Article 2 binds all authorities and citizens to its provisions. He further referenced Articles 91 and 92, which outline the constitutional amendment process, including the requirement for approval by not less than two-thirds of both Houses of the Legislature and ratification by two-thirds of registered voters in a national referendum.
โThese provisions place a solemn responsibility on this Legislature to be fully informed, actively engaged, and vigilant in overseeing the process,โ he stressed.
Hon. Williams underscored the need for clarity on the current status, timelines, scope, and institutional coordination of the review process, noting that engagement with the relevant institutions will promote transparency, inclusivity, accountability, and good governance, while safeguarding the interests of all Liberians.
โThe review of our Constitution is not merely a technical exercise; it is an opportunity to strengthen our democracy, uphold the rule of law, and shape the future of Liberia for generations to come,โ he added.
Following deliberations, Plenary voted to mandate the Committees on Good Governance and Judiciary to examine the request and report back with recommendations, as part of the Legislatureโs constitutional oversight responsibility.
