The ECOWAS Parliament has officially rejected a request from Majority Bloc Speaker Koon to replace three members of Liberia’s delegation, affirming that they hold fixed-term mandates and can only be removed under specific circumstances. This ruling reinforces the procedures of the ECOWAS Parliament amidst ongoing political tensions in Liberia, with mixed reactions from various factions within the government.
In a recent ruling, the ECOWAS Parliament has declined the request made by Majority Bloc Speaker Koon to replace three members of the Liberian delegation. The rejection was communicated through a letter directed to Madam Mildred N. Sayon, Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives, affirming that current delegates possess fixed-term mandates according to established parliamentary guidelines.
The correspondence, issued by Acting Secretary-General K. Bertin SOME on February 25, 2025, clarified that, per Article 18.1,2 of the supplementary Act, community parliamentarians are assigned a four-year term. Members can only be replaced in specific situations such as non-re-election or serious misconduct, none of which apply to the three delegates: Honorable Samuel R. Enders, Sr., Moima Briggs-Mensah, and Taa Z. Wongbe.
The decision highlights the ECOWAS Parliament’s dedication to maintaining its procedural integrity, irrespective of requests from the Majority Bloc to alter the delegation’s makeup. This ruling has been perceived as a significant blow to the Majority Bloc amidst ongoing disputes regarding their influence in the House of Representatives.
Conversely, this decision has been positively received by the Minority Bloc, led by Speaker Fonati Koffa, as it strengthens their position ahead of an upcoming Supreme Court hearing concerning a bill initiated by Koffa and affiliates. Responses within the political landscape of Liberia have varied, with proponents of the recall expressing dissatisfaction while others commend adherence to parliamentary standards. Speaker Koon’s reaction to this development remains pending.
The ECOWAS Parliament’s denial of the Majority Bloc’s request to replace Liberian delegates underscores its commitment to established legal frameworks. The ruling emphasizes the fixed-term mandates of parliamentarians and highlights the ongoing tensions between political factions in Liberia. As the situation evolves, responses to this decision could significantly impact the dynamics within the House of Representatives.
Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com
