By Archie Boan
Proceedings of the 55th House of Representatives were abruptly thrown into disarray on Tuesday after electricity supplied by the Liberia Electricity Corporation (LEC) went off while lawmakers were in active session, forcing an indefinite suspension of legislative business.
The outage occurred at the height of a heated debate on the House floor, where lawmakers were sharply divided over a motion for reconsideration regarding the creation of additional electoral districts. The motion, introduced by Representative Momo Siafa Kpoto, seeks to reopen debate on a previous House decision that has sparked widespread controversy both within the Legislature and among the public.
As arguments intensified, microphones suddenly went silent, lights went out, and electronic systems powering the chamber shut down bringing deliberations to a standstill. Lawmakers were visibly frustrated as efforts to immediately restore power proved unsuccessful.
This marks the third power outage in recent weeks to disrupt sittings of the House of Representatives, raising serious concerns about the reliability of electricity supply at the Capitol Building and its impact on legislative efficiency. Several lawmakers described the recurring blackouts as an embarrassment to the institution and a threat to democratic governance.
“This is unacceptable,” said Representative Taa Wongbe. “At critical moments when national issues are being debated, the House cannot continue to be crippled by basic infrastructure failures.”
The motion under debate centers on the creation of new electoral districts a politically sensitive issue with significant implications for representation, resource allocation, and future elections. Proponents argue that population growth in certain areas necessitates the creation of new districts, while opponents warn that the move could be politically motivated and potentially destabilizing.
Following the suspension, Representative Alexander Poure, Co-Chair of the House Committee on Rules, Order, and Administration, disclosed that the chamber’s backup generator had been damaged. The Speaker subsequently announced that proceedings would resume once power was fully restored. The session later continued after electricity from LEC was reinstated.
