Speaker Koon Urges Int’l Partners to Support Digitization of Liberia’s Legislature

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Richard Nagbe Koon, has made a passionate appeal to Liberia’s international partners for urgent support to digitize the country’s legislative infrastructure, describing the move as essential to promoting transparency, record-keeping, and institutional efficiency. Speaking at a high-level diplomatic engagement held today in Monrovia, Speaker Koon highlighted the outdated nature of the current legislative systems, citing non-functional microphone systems, the lack of digitized voting records, and the absence of a public-facing website as major hindrances to effective lawmaking and public accountability. “We cannot continue to operate in this technological vacuum,” Speaker Koon said. “To serve our people effectively, we must modernize.”

The gathering brought together ambassadors, United Nations representatives, and other diplomatic envoys as part of a broader strategy by the 55th Legislature to deepen cooperation and align Liberia’s governance needs with global support frameworks. In addition to advocating for legislative digitization, Speaker Koon outlined several immediate institutional priorities, including the development of an official website, capacity building for legislative staff, and logistical support for the upcoming Mano River Union Parliamentary Conference, set for July 16–20, 2025. He emphasized the importance of translation services for the regional event, which will include participation from French speaking delegates, and appealed for simultaneous interpretation tools and technical protocols to ensure smooth proceedings. “We are preparing to welcome three other Speakers of Parliament. This is a crucial moment that requires both infrastructural and technical readiness,” Speaker Koon stated. 

The Speaker also stressed the need for capacity-building programs, particularly for budget analysts and audit review committees, noting the complexity of national financial documents and the need for professional support in legislative oversight. Turning to long-term reform, Speaker Koon proposed that Liberia consider a national referendum to update its constitution, suggesting the inclusion of a 50-year national development roadmap to ensure policy continuity across political transitions an approach used by several African peers. Closing the forum, Speaker Koon reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to open dialogue and democratic partnership, proposing quarterly engagements with international stakeholders to share progress, challenges, and mutual insights. “We depend on our partners for our growth,” he concluded, “but we also contribute ideas and experiences worth sharing.”