By Jerromie S. Walters
Gender diversity in political leadership is not only a matter of fairness but also an intrinsic element in heightening democratic institutions. It has been tested and proven that diverse decision-making bodies lead to better governance. Liberia, like many other countries, has historically faced gender disparities in political representation. However, the pending Senate Pro Tempore and Deputy Speakership elections present a unique opportunity to address this issue, especially now that women have lost the second highest seat (the Vice Presidency) of the state.
As the Senate and House prepare for their elections, Grand Bassa County Senator Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence and Bong County District #6 Representative Moima Briggs Mensah are set to partake, concisely as candidates for the Pro Tempore and Deputy Speakership.
Realistically- these two women have been overly proactive in their respective areas, through oversight, representation, and lawmaking. Considering their records, the legislature must seize this opportunity and take a progressive step towards a more equitable and prosperous future.
As constitutionally provided, the Vice President of Liberia is the President of the Liberian Senate. With the recent election of a male vice president, it’s crucial to recognize gender sensitivity in the structure of the Senate, by ensuring a female Senate Pro Tempore who understands women’s issues. As the possibility of a male Speaker for the 55th legislature is certain, lawmakers must also be sensitive to their leadership being gender balanced and this can only happen with the election of Representative Briggs, who’s the only female in the race.
With the current gender status of the legislature, having a female Senate Pro Tempore and Deputy Speaker would be a significant step towards achieving gender equality. Gender diversity in political leadership is crucial as it brings a range of perspectives to the decision-making process. Women like Senator Lawrence and Representative Briggs have unique insights and experiences that can contribute to better policy formulation and implementation.
Their ascendency to the Pro Tempore and Deputy Speakership can ensure that the voices and concerns of women are adequately represented, unlike if it (the legislature) is male-dominant.
As Representative Briggs referenced in one of her interviews with this paper, women are more likely to prioritize and advocate for issues that directly impact them, and electing them to these positions would ensure that the different critical issues that affect them receive the attention they deserve
The Pro Tempore Election
Article 47 of the 1986 Constitution mandates, “The Senate shall elect every six years a President Pro Tempore who shall preside in the absence of the President of the Senate. With this, the Liberian Senate seeks to elect a new Senate Pro Tempore January 14, 2024. Grand Bassa County Senator Nyonblee Kargan Lawrence in particular, stands out as the best option for this influential position – a dedicated and accomplished female candidate. The elections of Speaker, Deputy Speaker at the House of Representatives, and Pro-Tempore at the Senate will pave the way for the 55th legislature. It also is a constitution mandate that provides for the leadership of the august bodies and aids in ushing the new government after an election in the country.
Senator Nyonblee Kargan Lawrence has consistently shown exceptional commitment to her responsibilities in the Senate. She has a proven track record of attending sessions regularly, actively participating in debates, and diligently fulfilling her duties as a senator. Her commitment to the legislative process and her constituents is unwavering, making her an ideal choice for the role of Senate Pro Tempore. Senator Nyonblee Karnga Lawrence’s extensive experience in legislative affairs further strengthens her suitability for the Pro Tempore position. Having served multiple terms as a senator, she possesses a deep understanding of the legislative process, rules, and procedures.
Undoubtedly, this experience equips her with the knowledge and expertise necessary to effectively preside over Senate sessions, ensuring order and adherence to the Senate’s rules. Senator Lawrence is presently serving her second term as Grand Bassa Senator. She also chairs the Rules, Order, and Administration Committee at the Senate. Intrinsically, pundits believe electing a female candidate as the Senate Pro Tempore would send a powerful message of gender equality and women’s empowerment in Liberia. This is because they hold the belief that It is crucial to have diverse representation in leadership positions, and this candidate embodies the potential for women to excel in high-ranking political roles.
The Senate Pro Tempore position in the Liberian Senate is quite important. The Pro Tempore serves as the presiding officer of the Senate in the absence of the Vice President, who is the constitutional presiding officer. The Pro Tempore is responsible for maintaining order and decorum during Senate sessions, ensuring that the Senate’s rules and procedures are followed. Senator Albert Chie of Grand Kru County is the current Pro Tempore of the Liberian Senate. He’s not seeking reelection because the post is constitutionally intended to be held by a Senate member for six years.
Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence is a two-term Senator and the first female Senator of Grand Bassa County. She is a Liberian, specifically a member of the Bassa ethnic group, which she currently represents. She was first elected to the Senate in 2013 and reelected during the 2020 midterm elections. Throughout her first term, she stood as the only female in a Senate comprising 29 men. As Senator, Madam Nyonblee has spoken on several critical issues that have surfaced at the Liberian Senate.
The Deputy Speakership
The elections for the speaker and Deputy Speakership of the 55th National Legislature of the Republic of Liberia are slated for January 14, 2024. Impressively- an ardent representation of the women through Bong County District #6 Representative Moima Briggs Mensah, l be felt, as she’s not just involved to be seen or known as one of the different contenders for the Deputy Speakership, but with a strong desire to ensure an improved legislature.
“I want to see a responsible legislature, where legislators will respect their colleagues, and we will take our jobs very seriously that the public perception will change about us.” In her opinion, an awkward perception has been built about the legislature by the public, with this, the need for a responsible legislature, like the one she envisions is intrinsic. “We want to see the agenda being given to lawmakers a day before the session so they will have an input.”
Inclusive of its uniqueness, and being a responsible legislature, she holds a strong interest in ensuring that the workings of the legislature are easily known by Liberians, through the digitalization of the august body utilizing an effective website. This, she believes will enable Liberians to have a clear picture of their lawmakers’ performance at the legislature. More to the above, she says her presence in the post will push to ensure that the rules of the legislative body are adhered to, to shift public perceptions. This, she says will be applied to their punctuality, respect for legislators’ views during sessions, recognition of legislators during sessions void of political affiliation, and a lot more. Representative Briggs intends to reflect her presence in the post on women, “I want to see women being represented, it hurts me at times when petitions are brought in for women’s issues, how it is treated, but if we have a woman sitting there, that will create a gender balance, and women’s matters will be taken seriously, and I believe it will increase the number of women in leadership and even in the House of Representatives.”
“We are not coming as a burden, we are coming to work with our colleagues to speak to issues, to make sure that women are visible and women’s issues are flagged out in the right and proper way that they can be protected.” She adds- “We stand in solidarity with, we have a legislature that we want to see gender balanced, the women are very few in the house, and giving us a space on the top will also give us visibility, the people will know that Liberian women are on the path with the men,” she tells Womenvoices.
As an acknowledgment of her preparedness, she has been committed to women’s empowerment and participation in national leadership. She brings to the table integrity, hard work, teamwork, and lobbying ability. With her experience and work at the legislature over the last six years, pundits believe if Representative Moima Briggs Mensah is elected as the DeputySpeaker, it will mean much more for Liberian women and their quest to exceed to the highest seats of the political sphere. As several other Liberians have said, she says her election as Liberia’s next Deputy Speaker will be a motivation for the women of Liberia, especially those who are interested in occupying public posts.
Liberia continues to strive for gender equality and women’s empowerment. As this quest continues- Representative Moima Briggs Mensah is also among scores of other women who have not allowed themselves to be defined by their gender, and she’s now in an endeavor to secure the Deputy Speakership of the 55th Legislature of the Republic of Liberia. Representative Mensah earlier contested for the Deputy Speakership. Though she didn’t succeed, she has been consistent in her work at the legislature over the last five years. This was vividly referenced following a reelection in the district. To date, she remains the only female who has attempted to occupy the post since the establishment of the Liberian legislature.
Though it requires a lot to uphold the post, political pundits have emphasized that Liberians must consider that it is crucial to recognize the significance of supporting a female like Representative Briggs, for the Deputy Speakership of the Legislature.
As she will be recorded as Liberia’s first female Deputy Speaker if she wins, pundits have stressed the need for women and her colleagues in the legislature to support her political bid. Moreover, they hold the belief that it remains apt to promote women’s leadership. Like the Speakership, Cllr J Fonati Koffa of Grand Kru County is the current Deputy House Speaker of the 54th legislature. He replaced Representative Hans M. Barchue who served under the Speakership of current Bomi County Senator Edwin M. Snowe, Jr. They both declined their respective intentions after being nominated earlier.
