The Governance Commission of Liberia has issued a statement urging facilitated negotiations to resolve the ongoing conflict regarding the Speakership of the 55th Legislature. With high tensions among House of Representatives members, the Commission believes that dialogue is the most pragmatic approach to breaking the current impasse and restoring functionality within the legislative body.
In a reflective assessment of the situation, the Governance Commission emphasized that the time has come for both sides embroiled in the dispute to negotiate.
This move is crucial to understanding the interests that underlie the entrenched positions held by various factions within the House.
Often, in conflicts, the stated positions of opposing parties mask the real interests at stake; therefore, finding common ground through negotiation could lead to a resolution that benefits all parties involved.
The statement read, “In most conflicts, the positions established are usually not the same as the interests behind those positions. The authoritative establishment of right and wrong may deepen misunderstandings rather than foster cooperation and good working relationships.” This acknowledgment of the complexity of human relations in governance underscores the need for a more nuanced approach to conflict resolution.
The Governance Commission posited that there is always room for compromise, which they termed the “excluded third” between contradictory possibilities. By leveraging goodwill and collaboration among national and international stakeholders, the Commission believes it is possible to facilitate meaningful negotiations that will lead to a sustainable resolution of the conflict in the 55th Legislature.
While acknowledging the importance of constitutional interpretation and legal processes such as arbitration or adjudication within the Liberian legal framework, the Commission advised that these approaches should be pursued alongside facilitated negotiations. This dual approach is necessary to navigate the intricacies of the current crisis effectively.
Liberia is at a critical juncture, facing a complex emergency that could deter potential investors and exacerbate public frustration. The Governance Commission warned that an uncertain outcome in the House of Representatives could lead to a “wait and see” attitude among investors, stalling economic progress and leaving citizens in a state of discontent. “This is something we all must strive to avoid at all costs,” the Commission cautioned.
In its statement, the Governance Commission expressed confidence in the leadership of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, stating, “From all indications and to all intents and purposes, the Government of His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai is serious and capable of delivering the best for Liberia.” It urged citizens and international allies to refrain from allowing the paralysis of the current government to continue, stressing the importance of stability and functionality in governance for the nation’s progress.
The call for negotiation comes when the public is increasingly concerned about the implications of the ongoing leadership struggle within the House of Representatives. Citizens are yearning for a resolution to restore legislative functions and address the nation’s pressing issues, including economic challenges and social development.
The Governance Commission’s statement is a timely reminder of the importance of dialogue in resolving political conflicts and the need for unity among lawmakers. As Liberia navigates its current challenges, the hope is that all stakeholders will prioritize the nation’s interests and work collaboratively toward a resolution that enhances democratic governance and public trust in elected officials.
While key political and non-political stakeholders, including ordinary Liberians, remain concerned, the focus now shifts to the willingness of legislators to engage in constructive dialogue. The future of Liberia’s legislative process and, by extension, its democratic integrity may depend on their ability to find common ground amid discord.
