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Saturday, February 15, 2025

Liberia: Legislature Sitting Extended Amid Crisis Over National Budget

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The sitting of the national legislature has been extended amidst mounting challenges regarding the country’s national budget and an overarching constitutional crisis that has raised critical concerns about the legitimacy and transparency of the legislative process.

President Joseph Boakai has proclaimed a 15-day extension of the first regular session of the 55th National Legislature, beginning December 13, 2024, and concluding January 6, 2025.

The proclamation comes on the heels of growing calls for clarity and accountability surrounding the 2025 draft national budget, which has been riddled with discrepancies and has faced harsh scrutiny from both the public and various stakeholders.

Article 32(b) of the Liberian Constitution grants the President the authority to extend the legislative session, ensuring that pressing matters of national importance can be attended to.

The extension should  be supported by a certificate signed by at least one-fourth of the total membership of both houses of the legislature, indicating bipartisan recognition of the urgency of these issues.

In his proclamation, President Boakai emphasized that significant concerns surrounding the national budget cannot await the return of the legislature, thereby justifying the need for an extended session.

His statement reflected a growing consensus among lawmakers that the budget’s legitimacy must be ensured before it is further deliberated.

However, the extension comes at a time of political turmoil. Allegations of mismanagement, lack of transparency, and the questionable legitimacy of legislative procedures have engulfed the National Legislature, leading critics to question whether sufficient checks and balances are in place to safeguard public interest.

The 2025 draft national budget, integral to the country’s economic stability and growth, faced criticism for its perceived opaque nature. Stakeholders have expressed concerns over funding allocations, particularly for critical sectors such as education and healthcare, as well as potential misappropriations.

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