MONROVIA โ The Director of the Legislative Information Service (LIS), Mr. McCarthy Weh, has formally extended congratulations to Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon on his recent election as Speaker of the House of Representatives.
During a courtesy visit to the Office of the Speaker Monday, 19 May, Director Weh used the occasion to present a Comprehensive Legislative Reform Proposal, outlining key strategies aimed at strengthening the effectiveness, accessibility, and accountability of the Liberian Legislature.
Among the highlights of the proposal are:
* The establishment of an Institute for Legislative Studies to build institutional capacity;
* The formation of a Parliamentary Reforms and Modernization Committee to guide and oversee the reform process;
* A Parliamentary Democracy Outreach Program aimed at โTaking the Legislature to the Peopleโ to foster citizen engagement and public participation.
Director Weh was accompanied by a delegation comprising his three deputies: Madam Hawa Lombeh, Deputy Director for Representation Services; Madam Alliette Chea, Deputy Director for Oversight Services; and Mr. Paul Kollie, Deputy Director for Lawmaking Services, among others.
In his remarks, Director Wreh emphasized that legislative reform is not a new concept, noting that parliaments across the world have engaged in similar modernization efforts since the 16th century.
He cited historical reforms such as the Legislative Reorganization Acts passed by the United States Congress in 1946 and again in 1970, which served as key frameworks for improving legislative efficiency and effectiveness.
โThe reform plan we are proposing epitomizes a blueprint for effective representation, lawmaking, and oversight,โ Mr. Weh stated.
โRegrettably, despite international acclaim, our Legislature has yet to fully implement such a comprehensive reform strategyโprimarily due to a lack of political will. We are hopeful that this initiative will mark a renewed commitment to modernization and institutional growth.โ Director Weh asserts.
He further expressed confidence that, with the submission of the reform plan, the Legislature will begin by revisiting its own political will as a necessary step toward realizing the aspirations of democratic governance in Liberia.
In response, Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon thanked the LIS Director and his team for their thoughtfulness and professionalism.
He commended their commitment to strengthening the Legislature and pledged to review the proposal thoroughly, affirming that its implementation could significantly enhance internal legislative operations and overall institutional credibility.
