Africa-Press – Liberia. In the lead-up to the election of the 55th Liberian Legislature, Deputy Speaker Fonati Koffa has made a fervent commitment to ensure independence of the Legislature, if elected Speaker.
The Grand Kru County District #2 lawmaker is currently in a tight race for the speakership against his opponent, Montserrado County District#11 Representative, Richard Nagbe Koon.
Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are expected to elect a new Speaker on January 15, to replace defeated Representative Bhofal Chambers.
Addressing a news conference recently, Rep. Koffa expressed deep concern over what he described as partisan politics infiltrating the workings of the Legislature.
According to him, the role of the Speaker should be building consensus rather than promoting partisan interests.
“Parliamentary bodies are governed by the majority, not the minority, and in Liberia, the President does not handpick the Speaker,” he emphasized, dispelling any misconception about the selection process.
Koffa stressed that, if elected, his leadership style would remain unchanged, focusing on consensus-building.
Citing the need for a Speaker who can navigate beyond party lines, he called on those advocating for party politics to reconsider their stance because politics thrives on compromise, serving as a bulwark against dictatorship.
At the time, he underscored the Speaker’s pivotal role in ensuring smooth functioning of the Legislature, highlighting the interconnectedness of Presidential and senatorial actions.
Responding to inquiries about potential interference from the executive branch, Koffa rebuffed claims of overreach, assuring that the President’s role should not extend to engineering the Speaker’s leadership.
The lawmaker said he believes in the independence of the Legislature therefore, he is going to work independently to ensure that the President’s agendas are put fairly on the table for debate.
He expressed readiness to engage in the electoral process, and is confident of winning, given the current legislative composition.
In an appeal to voters, Koffa highlighted the significance of an independent legislature, stating “We are going into this election to win, lose, or draw.” He emphasized the importance of every elected official to have a say in national processes.
For More News And Analysis About Liberia Follow Africa-Press
