The Alternative National Congress (ANC) has voiced concern over the wave of political unrest that has engulfed the House of Representatives.
For about a month now, Liberia has been facing a looming political and constitutional crisis that has serious negative implications for the fledgling democracy and the socio-economic development of the Liberian people.
The salutation continues to stimulate concerns, with the latest coming from the ANC’s Political Leader, Alexander Cummings.
In a recent post, the former Presidential Candidate noted that the House of Representatives has been locked in what appears to be an internal power struggle, which has potentially paralyzed the entire legislative function of the Government.
At one end of the divide, some aggrieved members of the House seek the removal of their elected Speaker, while at the other end, some members resist what they describe as the violation of the Speaker’s constitutional rights to Due Process and the Rules of the House.
Cummings is worried that despite the Supreme Court’s advice, through a Conference of the parties held recently in the Chamber of Justice Yamie QuiQui Gbeisay, to amicably resolve the crisis in keeping with Due Process, both sides remained adamant and dug in their respective positions.
He believes the situation has created an impasse requiring bold, honest, sincere intervention and mediation to avoid further deterioration.
According to a former businessman, now politician, the stalemate in the House of Representatives poses the most serious challenge to our Constitutional order and a threat to our nascent democracy.
‘While we acknowledge the right of each side to pursue their legitimate concerns, it is important to emphasize that all actions must be carried out within the confines of the rule of law and Constitutional order.’
The ANC Leader further explained in his post that using due process to resolve the matter is a cornerstone of democracy and economic development, which cannot and must not be sacrificed in the name of politics.
Cummings notes that the nation cannot claim stability without respect for the Constitution and the rule of law. ‘This, in turn,, will make it difficult to attract foreign direct investment, boost donors’ confidence, and reassure citizens and residents of protection under the Constitution and laws of Liberia.’
The political statesman added that politics without the guidance of the law will only invite chaos and undermine development.
The Alternative National Congress, through its head, is urging all parties to the conflict in the House of Representatives to put the interest of the Country and the Liberian people high above any and all other considerations by seeking recourse through the Constitution and laws that they have sworn an oath to uphold and defend.
He believes the House of Representatives crisis also requires a deep reflection on the part of our other Branches of Government as they discharge their duties and responsibilities under the Constitutional doctrine of “separate but coordinate”.
‘It behooves both Branches of the Executive and Judiciary to act to resolve and not complicate the current crisis. They owe it to the Liberian people and to posterity, ‘ stated in a firm tone.
According to him, all concerned must never forget that Liberians live in a rapidly changing, competitive, interconnected world.
In his statement, ANC’s Alexander Cummings indicated the actions or inactions of any one branch have severe implications for the perception of shared determination and commitment to building a society governed by the rule of law.
Regarding upholding Liberia’s legacy, the two-time presidential candidate outlined that the speedy resolution of the current stalemate in the first Branch of Government will not only demonstrate leadership at home but will also project a positive image abroad, demonstrating that we are a responsible member of the comity of nations capable of resolving our governance challenges without external intervention.
He ended by adding: ‘We will continue to encourage honest dialogue and negotiation, on all sides, within the perimeters of the rule of law. We must continue to give our citizens hope that change and progress are possible. We cannot continue doing the same things repeatedly and expect different results.’
