Outspoken critic of bad governance, Norris Johnson, currently based in the United States, has issued a passionate call for comprehensive electoral reforms in Liberia. In a recent opinion piece titled “A Call for Real Electoral Reform in Liberia,” Johnson urged lawmakers and citizens alike to push for a reduction in the lengthy tenures of elected officials ~ a move he argues is critical to fostering accountability, reducing corruption, and revitalizing democratic participation.
Johnson described Liberia as standing “at a pivotal crossroads,” where meaningful reform could pave the way for a more transparent and effective government.
“Across the country, there is growing concern over the six-year term for presidents, the nine-year term for senators, and the six-year term for representatives, all of which have not produced the accountability or progress our nation deserves,” Johnson stated.
He referenced recent proposals by former Senate Pro Tempore Albert Chie, who suggested constitutional amendments to reduce tenures ~ specifically, trimming the presidential term to five years, the Senate to seven, and the House to five. Johnson acknowledged these as “steps in the right direction” but maintained that more aggressive reductions would better reflect global democratic norms and Liberia’s governance needs.
Drawing comparisons to countries like the United States, France, Brazil, and South Africa, where presidential terms range from four to five years with clear term limits, Johnson emphasized that long tenures in Liberia erode accountability and allow elected officials to act with impunity.
“Why should a senator wait nearly a decade before facing voters again?” he asked. “Prolonged periods between elections erode deterrence.”
According to Johnson, shorter terms and firm limits would encourage leadership turnover, increase diversity, and make it easier for new voices to enter the political arena ~ essential characteristics of healthy democracies.
In his piece, Johnson put forward a specific set of recommendations:
President: 4 years, 2-term limit
Senate: 6 years, 3-term limit
House of Representatives: 3 years, no term limit
He argued these changes would lead to more competitive elections, curb corruption, and prevent the accumulation of unchecked power among Liberia’s political elite.
Johnson also referenced Liberia’s failed 2020 referendum on constitutional reforms, noting that while the measures won a majority of votes, they did not meet the constitutional threshold for enactment. He sees the current moment as an opportunity for renewed momentum.
“This moment presents another chance for young lawmakers and all citizens to rally for bold, people-centered change,” he wrote.
In closing, Johnson called on Liberia’s youth and principled leaders to rise to the occasion and challenge the status quo.
“To the youth and public servants: who will be courageous enough to lead this transformation?” he asked.
The conversation around electoral reform continues to gain traction, as public dissatisfaction with the performance of elected officials remains high. Whether Johnson’s call to action will spark real legislative change remains to be seen, but the debate over term limits is clearly far from over.
