Gerald C. Koinyeneh
Africa-Press – Liberia. Several candidates vying for the upcoming 2023 legislative elections in Liberia have adopted a resolution which, among other things, is calling for a drastic cut in lawmakers’ salaries and benefits.The resolution, built on seven points, underscores their unwavering dedication to upholding accountability and integrity in public service.
During a press conference on Thursday, Ambassador Rufus Neufville, representing the aspirants for both representative and senatorial positions said there is a compelling need to rectify the current uneven distribution of resources within Liberia. He noted that this disparity has been a contributing factor to disunity and conflict.
Amb. Neufville drew attention to Article 36 of the Constitution, which grants Senators and Representatives the authority to determine their own compensation. However, he acknowledged that the prevailing approach has adversely affected the ordinary citizens of Liberia.
The draft resolution addresses these concerns. It commits the candidates to an immediate 20% reduction in lawmakers’ allowances upon assuming office. This allowance covers general stipends, fuel reimbursements, vehicle maintenance, constituency office expenses, communication, committee work, and domestic travel, presently amounts to US$15,000.
The candidates have also collectively vowed to champion an equivalent 20% decrease in allowances allocated to cabinet ministers and heads of public corporations. They called for review of other existing laws that mandate these benefits.
The candidates also pledged to redirect the funds saved from reduced allowances towards bolstering schools and reducing tuition fees.
According to Neuvfille, this move is intended to empower future generations through enhanced access to education.
The resolution calls for an end to duty-free privileges given to lawmakers, specifically privilege to import two vehicles annually.
He said this stance derives from the argument that these privileges undermine equity and fairness, particularly when considering the well-compensated status of Liberian lawmakers within the ECOWAS region.
The resolution also calls for the abolishment of purchasing vehicles for lawmakers outside of their salary.
He said Senators are given three vehicles individually during their tenure, valued at $US135,000, while each Representative receive two cars valued at $US90,000. This results in a staggering expenditure of US$6,570,000 for the 73 Representatives and US$4,050,000 for the 30 Senators.
“It is imperative to critically reassess the necessity and fairness of extending such privileges when Liberian Lawmakers already rank among the well-remunerated officials within the ECOWAS region. This action will curtail potential abuse and concurrently enhance government revenue,” Neufville asserted.
The candidates pledged their commitment to fostering transparency in governance. They vowed to actively advocate for open debates on the fiscal budget and oppose any allocation of public funds to institutions owned by government officials.
In a bid to ensure well-informed decision-making, the candidates expressed their intent to work with experts and institutions across Liberia.
Addressing the issue of budgetary accountability, Ambassador Neufville stressed the importance of budget performance reports. These reports, he asserted, are vital in averting legislative hindrances by ensuring accurate comparisons between projected and actual expenditures. The resolution further outlines mechanisms to hold executive officials accountable for timely submission of these reports at the conclusion of each fiscal period.
Ambassador Neufville concluded by reinforcing the collective determination of the candidates to redirect District Development Funds towards communities through the offices of community leaders, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and superintendents. The resolution also opposes additional benefits for government officials, instead advocating for the allocation of surplus revenue to benefit civil servants. They also agreed
to harmonize public employees’ salaries, thus nurturing a climate of fairness and equity.
Neufville, a former lawmaker, is seeking to return to the Legislature, competing against incumbent Montserrado County District #8 Representative Acarous Moses Gray. He affirmed that the drafted resolution marks a pivotal stride towards advancing transparency, integrity, and accountability within Liberia’s legislative landscape.
Although the resolution is resonating well with the public, it will have to be tabled for now until after the elections to determine how many of these like minded candidates will make it to Capitol Hill come January 2024 to fight legislatively for its implementation.
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