The ECOWAS Parliament has rejected a request from Majority Bloc Speaker Koon to replace three Liberian delegates, reaffirming that their four-year terms can only end under specific circumstances. This decision represents a significant setback for the Majority Bloc while bolstering the position of the Minority Bloc, ahead of a Supreme Court hearing regarding House control.
The ECOWAS Parliament has officially denied a request from Majority Bloc Speaker Koon to replace three members of the Liberian delegation. In an official correspondence to Madam Mildred N. Sayon, the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives, the Parliament reaffirmed that the current delegates serve fixed-term mandates as established under Article 18.1,2 of their supplementary Act. This mandates a four-year term for delegates unless specific conditions such as death or misconduct apply, which do not pertain to the current members.
The three Liberian delegates—Honorable Samuel R. Enders, Sr., Moima Briggs-Mensah, and Taa Z. Wongbe—will continue serving their terms as the ECOWAS Parliament emphasized that they may not be removed or replaced prior to the end of their respective terms. The Parliament stated, “The Honorable Members of the ECOWAS Parliament will continue to serve their mandate until its expiration, in line with the international commitments of the Republic of Liberia.”
This decision reflects the ECOWAS Parliament’s dedication to respect its procedural protocols amidst calls for alterations from the Majority Bloc in Liberia’s House of Representatives. The ruling poses a considerable setback for the Majority Bloc, which is already facing challenges to its control of the House due to its controversial takeover.
Conversely, the Minority Bloc, led by Speaker Fonati Koffa, has welcomed this outcome, considering it an advantage as they prepare for an upcoming Supreme Court hearing regarding a bill of information filed by Koffa and his allies. The reaction to the ruling has been mixed; while some supporters of the recall are disappointed, others see the affirmation of established procedures as a positive development. Speaker Koon has not yet commented publicly on the ECOWAS decision.
The ECOWAS Parliament’s refusal to accommodate the request for replacing Liberian delegates underscores its commitment to established parliamentary regulations. While this decision favors the Minority Bloc, it highlights the contentious dynamics within Liberia’s House of Representatives. Further implications may arise as the political landscape evolves and as the Supreme Court hearing approaches.
Original Source: frontpageafricaonline.com
