Another debate has brought new attention to the House of Representatives, this time, a long-standing concern about transparency, accountability, and institutional reform in the Lower Chambers. The issue surfaced during the first official sitting of the third session when Bong County District #6 Representative Moima Briggs-Mensah challenged the House leadership over the use of “YEAH” and “NAY” voice votes to determine the fate of key revenue-related legislation.
The bills in question—amendments to Part-I of the Liberia Revenue Code establishing a legal framework for tax incentive and expenditure management, and a proposed Liberia Management Act of 2025, were passed following the presentation of a report by the Joint Committee on Ways, Means, and Finance and Public Accounts and Expenditure. Rep. Briggs-Mensah argued that fiscal and revenue measures should be subjected to headcount voting, a system that records each lawmaker’s position and allows constituents to hold their representatives accountable.
According to the Bong County lawmaker, reliance on voice votes for such consequential legislation undermines democratic standards and weakens public confidence in the Legislature. She further noted that adopting headcount voting would bring Liberia’s parliamentary practice in line with internationally accepted norms, including those observed at the ECOWAS Parliament, where she serves as one of Liberia’s representatives. The disagreement intensified when the Speaker attempted to restore order on the floor, prompting resistance from Rep. Briggs-Mensah, who insisted that her intervention was grounded in parliamentary best practices rather than personal confrontation.
Her remarks drew reactions from colleagues, some of whom intervened to calm the situation as debate over the matter continued. The incident highlights a recurring criticism of the House of Representatives, which has faced public scrutiny in the past for passing major legislative instruments without detailed voting records. Observers say the latest episode could reignite broader discussions about updating the House’s standing rules, clarifying voting procedures, and strengthening transparency in legislative decision-making. As the third session progresses, the dispute is expected to fuel renewed calls for procedural reforms aimed at enhancing the credibility and democratic integrity of Liberia’s Legislature.
Author: Alpha Lymas
