President Joseph Nyuma Boakai has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to constitutional order and the rule of law following a Supreme Court ruling on the prolonged deadlock in Liberia’s House of Representatives.
In a national address on Wednesday, the President acknowledged the Court’s decision but emphasized that the legislative impasse, which has paralyzed key governance functions, remains unresolved. His administration, he said, is engaging in broad consultations with traditional leaders and other stakeholders to chart a constitutionally sound path forward.
The political standoff, which has dragged on for months, reached a boiling point last month when arsonists set fire to the Capitol Building, a historic symbol of Liberia’s democracy. Today, reports emerged of additional vandalism targeting government property, prompting an ongoing police investigation.
“Under my leadership, Liberia will not be held hostage by narrow interests or lawlessness,” President Boakai declared, condemning the acts as attacks on the nation’s democratic institutions. “Those who undermine peace or disrupt national harmony will face the full force of the law.”
The Quorum Question
At the heart of the dispute is a disagreement over what constitutes a legal quorum in the House of Representatives, a threshold necessary to conduct legislative business. The Supreme Court’s ruling clarified the constitutional requirements, but divisions among lawmakers have stalled progress.
President Boakai stressed that his government would work only with a functioning quorum to ensure governance continues. “We must uphold this principle for our democracy to survive,” he said.
Amid rising public frustration, the President urged citizens to remain calm and confident in their institutions. He called on elected officials to honor their oaths of office and prioritize national interest over partisan agendas.
“Liberia is bigger than any one person, party, or position,” he said. “We must resolve this impasse with level heads and committed hearts.”
As consultations continue, the administration faces mounting pressure to break the deadlock and restore full functionality to the legislature. Observers warn that prolonged instability could further erode public trust and hinder critical policymaking.
President Boakai ended his address with a message of resilience: “We will protect our democracy. We will preserve our peace. And together, we will move Liberia forward.”
For now, a tense nation watches and waits, hoping for a resolution that safeguards Liberia’s hard-won democratic progress.
God bless Liberia.
