By: Archie Boan
The Liberian Senate has received a bill seeking to abolish the controversial 2% vote threshold that bars political parties and independent candidates from participating in two election cycles if they fail to secure at least 2% of the national vote.
The proposed legislation, submitted by Rivercess County Senator Bill T. Twehway, was formally introduced to Senate Plenary on Thursday and is scheduled for second reading next Tuesday.
Senator Twehway argued that the provision unfairly excludes smaller political parties and independent candidates from the democratic process, describing it as a barrier to political participation and electoral inclusion.
If passed, the bill will repeal Chapter 5(a) of the 2014 Amended Elections Law, which critics say effectively sidelines political actors for up to 12 years after a poor electoral showing.
The legislation also proposes stronger protections for accredited party agents and independent observers. Under the proposed changes, observers would be granted closer access to polling activities, protection from arbitrary removal by polling staff, and the right to digitally record and verify vote-counting procedures.
According to Senator Twehway, the amendments are intended to strengthen transparency, increase public confidence in elections, and promote peaceful resolution of electoral disputes.
Following the reading of the communication, Rivercess County Senator Wellington Geevon Smith moved that the bill be treated as having undergone its first reading. The Senate accepted the motion and officially received the measure for further consideration.
The bill now heads to second reading as lawmakers prepare to debate reforms that could significantly change Liberia’s electoral landscape.
