The Institute for Research and Democratic Development (IREDD) has released its Legislative Performance Scorecard 2024.
The IREDD scorecard, which monitors legislators’ attendance and performance, aims to enhance transparency and accountability within the Liberian Legislature and promote inclusive governance. The Institution’s 2024 Legislative Performance Monitoring Midterm Scorecard sheds light on the attendance records and participation levels of lawmakers in Liberia’s House of Senate and House of Representatives.
The IREDD scorecard, which monitors legislators’ attendance and performance, aims to enhance transparency and accountability within the Liberian Legislature and promote inclusive governance. The assessment aims to promote transparency and hold public officials accountable for their engagement in legislative processes.
According to the detailed analysis provided in the report, attendance varied significantly among senators and representatives, raising questions about the commitment levels of some legislators. The scorecard categorizes attendance into four levels: highest, average, fair, and lowest, with a breakdown of scores and the frequency of appearances.
The scorecard indicates that only a select group of senators received the highest score, marked as “A,” for attending between 40-44 sessions. Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, Abraham D. Dillon, and Augustine S. Chea are notable names. This exemplary attendance was contrasted by others who failed to meet average standards, with some absent for critical legislative functions. Senators like Bill Twehway and Francis Dopoh were listed with lower scores.
The report further revealed that only 18 representatives achieved the highest attendance level. On the other end, 20 representatives were placed in the lowest attendance category, scoring an “F” due to infrequent appearances or no recorded presence. The list included well-known lawmakers such as Sekou S. Kanneh and Priscilla A. Cooper. The discrepancy in attendance underscores concerns over active legislative participation and responsiveness to constituents’ needs.
Constituency Visitation Gaps One of the key findings from IREDD’s report emphasizes the inadequacies in constituency visitation funding. The “one size fits all” approach has been criticized for not aligning with the varying needs of different regions across the country. This inconsistency may impede effective representation and disconnect lawmakers from the realities faced by the communities they serve.
The 2024 Midterm Scorecard is part of IREDD’s ongoing efforts to foster an accountable and transparent legislative environment. By spotlighting the attendance and participation metrics, the organization encourages public discourse on the effectiveness and dedication of Liberia’s legislative body.
IREDD’s call for better legislative practices resonates with civil society groups and citizens who seek more proactive representation in addressing national challenges. The scorecard empowers the electorate with factual information, equipping them to hold their leaders accountable.
The report is a collaborative effort supported by partners like Medica Liberia and emphasizes collective action’s importance in promoting good governance. The organization’s commitment to inclusive legislative engagement is evident through continuous research and dissemination of objective findings.
