By Amos Harris
Gbarpolu County Senator Amara Konneh has strongly opposed a resolution passed by the House of Representatives seeking to increase Liberia’s electoral districts from 73 to 89, arguing that the move violates the Constitution and undermines the authority of the National Elections Commission (NEC). In a strongly worded statement, Senator Konneh said the House’s decision represents a constitutional overreach, insisting that lawmakers do not have the authority to determine which counties should receive additional electoral districts following a national census.
According to the Gbarpolu lawmaker, Articles 80(d) and 80(e) of the Liberian Constitution clearly define the responsibilities of both the Legislature and the NEC in the electoral reapportionment process. He explained that while the Legislature is empowered to establish the national population threshold for representation after a census, the Constitution assigns the NEC the exclusive responsibility of redrawing electoral boundaries.
Konneh argued that any attempt by the House of Representatives to create or assign new electoral districts through legislation bypasses the constitutional role of the NEC and threatens the independence of Liberia’s electoral management body. He warned that such action could open the door to political interference in a process that the Constitution deliberately places under an independent institution to ensure fairness and equal representation.
The senator emphasized that his objection is not directed at increasing the number of electoral districts where population growth justifies additional representation. Rather, he maintained that the issue is whether the government is prepared to follow the constitutional process and uphold the rule of law.
“The Constitution provides a lawful mechanism for creating additional districts where necessary,” Konneh stated, stressing that constitutional procedures must be respected regardless of political interests. He further disclosed that if the House resolution reaches the Liberian Senate, he will work with fellow senators to ensure that any legislative action complies fully with the Constitution.
Konneh vowed to oppose any proposal he believes usurps the NEC’s constitutional mandate, insisting that the electoral body must be allowed to perform its responsibilities independently, fairly, and free from political influence. His comments come amid growing public debate over the House’s proposal to expand the number of electoral districts, with critics questioning both the timing and the constitutional basis of the initiative while supporters argue that some counties deserve greater representation based on population growth.
The controversy has sparked renewed discussion over the separation of powers and the constitutional responsibilities of Liberia’s democratic institutions, with legal experts and political observers expected to scrutinize any further legislative action closely. Senator Konneh underscored the importance of constitutional governance, declaring that “the Constitution is not a suggestion. It is the supreme law of the land, and every branch of government must operate within the limits it prescribes.”