MONROVIA – In a dramatic move that has sparked heated debate across the nation, the House of Representatives (HoR) unanimously passed a resolution on June 3, retroactively legalizing all legislative actions taken by the so-called “Majority Bloc” during the tumultuous period known as the Capitol War.
This includes vital decisions such as the contentious 2025 National Budget, which recently faced scrutiny from the Supreme Court.
The resolution, brought forth by Chief Clerk Mildred Siryon, aims to provide legitimacy to actions made under a contested leadership that the Supreme Court ruled as unconstitutional. By doing so, the HoR challenges the judiciary’s authority and raises questions about the separation of powers in Liberia’s governance.
“This resolution reaffirms our commitment to the legislative process and seeks to settle the tumultuous divisions that arose during the ‘Capitol War’,” said Siryon during the floor debate. “We must move forward as a unified body, and this resolution provides the basis for that unity.”
However, legal experts are voicing significant concerns about the implications of the HoR’s action. Prominent constitutional lawyer Cllr. Taiwan Gongloe condemned the resolution, warning that it represents an alarming overreach of legislative authority. “It is not as simple as signing a piece of paper to legalize actions that have been ruled unconstitutional,” Gongloe stated. “The House must respect the legal processes and include the public in any budgetary decisions through formal hearings.”
As the resolution is set to be sent to the Senate for consideration, legal and political analysts are closely monitoring the responses from the House of Elders, who hold a crucial role in shaping Liberia’s legislative landscape. Questions remain about the potential for further legal challenges and the implications for both the judiciary and the legislative process.
Critics of the resolution worry that this current move could undermine public trust in the government, particularly in a country still grappling with the consequences of the Capitol War. Citizens and advocacy groups are calling for transparency and accountability in governance, emphasizing the importance of inclusive public participation in budgetary processes and legislative actions.
As the resolution enters the Senate, the political dynamics within Liberia are expected to fluctuate, with public opinion likely influencing the upcoming debate on the future of the Majority Bloc’s actions. Political observers are urging all parties to prioritize the rule of law to avoid further division and instability in the country.
Stay tuned for updates as the situation continues to evolve, and the implications of this unprecedented legislative decision unfold.
