MONROVIA – A regular session of the Liberian House of Representatives was cancelled due to the absence of a quorum, prompting House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon to issue a stern warning to lawmakers who repeatedly fail to attend legislative sittings.
Addressing members present at the Capitol Building, Speaker Koon expressed concern over persistent absenteeism among lawmakers, stressing that continued absences could result in disciplinary actions, including salary deductions.
“So, we want to send this message to the leadership. The leadership will take the precise measures on those members that are always absent,” Koon said. “I am not losing control over the House. Not at all. I want to caution those legislators; if they continue on this path, we will start going towards salary deduction for some reasons for not being able to do the Liberian people’s work on time.”
The cancellation of the session has sparked discussions about growing attendance challenges within the House, with some political observers questioning whether the repeated lack of quorum reflects deeper divisions among lawmakers.
Liberia’s Constitution provides guidance on such situations. Article 33 states: “A simple majority of each House shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, but a lower number may adjourn from day to day and compel the attendance of absent members.”
The constitutional provision empowers the Legislature to take measures to ensure members attend sittings and fulfill their duties to the public.
The latest development comes at a time when lawmakers are expected to deliberate on several key national issues, making attendance crucial for the smooth functioning of the legislative branch.
