The Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP) has convened a one-day Legislative Constituency Engagement in Grand Bassa County Electoral District #1, creating a platform for direct dialogue between citizens and their representative, Representative Isaac Bannie.
The engagement, held Monday, October 5, 2026, at the Civil Compound in District #1, brought together a broad spectrum of stakeholders, including local government officials, community leaders, elders, and residents, to discuss legislative representation, governance, and pressing development concerns affecting the district.
The initiative forms part of activities being implemented under the Legislative Monitoring Coalition of Liberia (LEMCOL), a program aimed at strengthening citizen participation in governance and enhancing public oversight of the National Legislature.
During the engagement, Representative Bannie provided constituents with an update on his legislative activities and participation in proceedings at the House of Representatives during the review period. He also briefed citizens on the Government of Liberia’s 2026 National Budget, highlighting key priorities and allocations while explaining aspects of the budget considered particularly relevant to District #1.
The presentation offered residents a clearer understanding of the legislative process, the duties of elected representatives, and the relationship between national budgetary decisions and local development priorities.
The forum further served as an avenue for constructive engagement between citizens and their lawmaker. Participants raised concerns and shared views on a range of issues, including community development, access to public services, infrastructure needs, and other challenges confronting residents across the district.
Citizens used the opportunity to seek clarification on matters of public interest, while Representative Bannie responded to questions and concerns raised during the session. The interaction underscored the importance of sustained communication, transparency, and accountability between elected officials and the communities they represent.
Earlier, CEMESP Program Associate Christopher Seton presented findings from a Legislative Monitoring Coalition report assessing lawmakers’ performance against key benchmarks, including participation, inclusion, transparency, and responsiveness.
The presentation provided citizens with insights into legislative performance and encouraged greater public involvement in monitoring the work of elected officials. Participants were urged to take an active role in holding lawmakers accountable and ensuring that governance remains responsive to citizens’ needs and expectations.
According to CEMESP, the LEMCOL initiative is designed to promote an informed and engaged citizenry while strengthening public demand for greater transparency, inclusion, accountability, and responsiveness within Liberia’s legislative process.
The organization reaffirmed its commitment to advancing citizen participation and promoting accountable, transparent, and people-centered democratic governance across Liberia. It also called on citizens to remain informed and actively engaged in monitoring the performance of their elected representatives, while encouraging lawmakers to maintain regular and meaningful engagement with their constituencies.
The Legislative Constituency Engagement is supported through funding from the European Union, UN Women, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and the Embassies of Ireland and Sweden in Monrovia, through the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD).
