What could be a test for President Joseph Boakai if he allows members of the Executive to consider adhering to the summons made by the majority bloc ousting Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa.
Pundits see this as the first test for President Joseph Boakai if Executives are seen doing business with the majority bloc.
On Tuesday, November 5, the Majority Block summoned key Executive Branch members, including Minister of Internal Affairs Francis Nyumalin, Liberia Water and Sewer Corporation head Mo Ali, and Transport Minister Sirleaf Tyler.
As a political standoff at the House of Representatives stalls legislative functions in Liberia, citizens are left questioning President Joseph Boakai’s stance.
Under the Liberian Constitution, the Government comprises three distinct and equal branches: the Executive, the Legislature, and the Judiciary, none of which is permitted to interfere in the workings of the other. Yet, the current legislative deadlock has thrust the President into the center of a political struggle, with pressure mounting from citizens and political stakeholders for Boakai to intervene or, at the very least, take a clear position.
The root cause is primarily driven by a split in the House of Representatives, with the majority bloc summoning executive members to assert authority and continue legislative operations.
The majority bloc anting Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa’s Speakership is seeking clarification on implementing the Local Government Law, indicating its intention to ensure continuity in governance.
For weeks, the functionality of Liberia’s Legislature has been in limbo, and with each passing day, public anxiety grows. The legislative stalemate has raised concerns over government operations, budget deliberations, and the effective implementation of critical policies that require legislative approval. Without legislative productivity, many fear that essential governance functions will face disruptions, jeopardizing critical national interests.
The public sentiment reflects an urgent desire for presidential intervention. Some citizens believe Boakai, as head of the Executive Branch, should mediate or take a definitive stance despite the constitutional mandate for separation of powers. The challenge here is twofold: should Boakai risk violating constitutional boundaries by overtly supporting one bloc, or should he strictly adhere to his constitutionally defined role, thus preserving the separation of powers?
Although President Boakai has refrained from publicly aligning with either side, his silence has led to speculation regarding his position. Every move, or lack thereof, is scrutinized in Liberia’s highly politicized environment. Some speculate that his silence may be a calculated strategy, allowing the legislative majority and opposition factions to resolve the dispute independently, thereby upholding constitutional integrity.
However, by permitting executive officials to respond to the majority bloc’s invitation, Boakai could potentially signal his alignment.
Allowing members of the Executive to attend the hearings of Majority Lawmakers outing Speaker Koffait might indicate Boakai’s willingness to do business with the majority bloc, which opposes Speaker Koffa’s leadership.
The majority bloc has escalated tensions further by investigating six lawmakers aligned with Speaker Koffa. Representatives Frank Saah Foko, Marvin Cole, Luther Collins, and Edward Flomo are under investigation. Accused of obstructing proceedings on October 22, these lawmakers are set to appear before the majority lawmakers, constituting itself as a “committee of the whole” for inquiry.
Meanwhile, a protest outside the Capitol building added to the volatile atmosphere, with demonstrators demanding an end to legislative infighting and a return to functional governance. The protesters’ concerns echo the sentiments of many Liberians who fear political gridlock will exacerbate the country’s economic challenges and delay essential reforms.
While the majority bloc presses forward with its Agenda, the question remains: should the Executive intervene? For President Boakai, this is a delicate balance. Overstepping could set a precedent for executive interference in legislative affairs, undermining Liberia’s democratic principles. On the other hand, inaction could lead to prolonged instability, risking governmental dysfunction at a critical juncture.
President Boakai’s next move could determine the trajectory of Liberia’s governance. Should he indicate subtly support for the majority bloc, it might end the stalemate but at a significant cost to the integrity of Liberia’s separation of powers. Conversely, continued restraint might preserve constitutional order yet extend the deadlock, leaving critical national issues unresolved.
The stakes are high as Liberians watch closely. For now, the Executive’s stance remains a focal point of speculation, but the urgency for action continues to build. Whether Boakai will move decisively or maintain his constitutional distance remains to be seen, but the nation waits with bated breath to end the political drama unfolding at the Capitol.
