By By: Staff Writer
MONROVIA, Liberia – Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Konneh has registered strong opposition to the House of Representatives’ resolution to expand Liberia’s electoral districts from 73 to 89, warning that the move undermines the Constitution and the independence of the National Elections Commission.
Sen. Konneh said Articles 80(d) and 80(e) of the 1986 Constitution are clear on the separation of duties. He noted that after a national census, the Legislature’s role is limited to setting the national population threshold for representation, while the exclusive duty to reapportion districts rests with the NEC to ensure each district has, as nearly as possible, equal population.
“This is not about opposing the creation of additional districts,” Konneh stated. “Where population growth justifies greater representation, the Constitution provides a clear and lawful mechanism. The issue is whether we are prepared to respect the constitutional process and the rule of law. Any effort by the House to bypass the NEC and unilaterally create districts is a constitutional overreach.”
The House approved the resolution Tuesday, which would mark Liberia’s first major redistricting since 2008. Based on the certified 2022 Census showing population growth from 3,476,608 to 5,250,187, the proposal adds 16 districts. Under the plan, Montserrado would increase from 17 to 20 seats, Nimba from 9 to 11, Bong from 7 to 9, and Lofa from 5 to 7, while Margibi, Grand Bassa, Grand Gedeh, Grand Cape Mount, Maryland, Sinoe and Bomi would each gain one. Gbarpolu, River Gee, Grand Kru and River Cess would retain current representation.
The debate was contentious. Grand Gedeh District #3 Rep. Jacob Debee questioned the committee’s claim that 50 lawmakers signed the resolution and demanded their names be disclosed before voting. Despite the objection, the House adopted the report and sent it to the Senate. The committee argued the expansion is a constitutional obligation, not a political accommodation, and that the NEC, not lawmakers, would apply the formula to draw boundaries.
Sen. Konneh said he will work with Senate colleagues to ensure any action conforms to the Constitution. “We must reject any framework that usurps the NEC’s constitutional mandate and instead allow it to perform its duties independently, fairly, and in accordance with the supreme law of the Republic. The Constitution is not a suggestion. It is the supreme law of the land, and every branch of government must operate within the limits it prescribes.”
