Naymote Partner for Democratic Development has unveiled its first quarter report from the Liberian Senate and House of Representative first session from January 15 to April 30, 2024.
Addressing a press conference on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, Naymote Executive Director Eddie D. Jarwolo said the Legislature passed six significant bills and one resolution, addressing key areas of national interests such as the economy, human rights, tourism, and trade.
The report also includes data from extraordinary sittings held between April 2 and April 30, 2024.
Jarwolo said the initiative aim is to strengthen political accountability and build public trust in elected officials; adding that findings were gathered through direct observations of legislative sessions, analysis of lawmakers’ positions on issues and policies, and examination of public records and official documents.
He said the legislature held 78 sitting, 51 in the House of Representatives and 27 in the Senate, with 56 being regular sittings and 13 secret sittings.
Mr. Jarwolo said a total of 33 bills were monitored by the institution and House considered 22 bills, passing 4 while 18 remain in committee room. The Senate introduced 11 bills, passing 3 with 8 still in committee room.
Jarwolo revealed that the legislature gives more priority to bills from the Executive/Presidency than those from its own members.
According to him, lawmakers actively participated in standing and ad hoc committees, contributing to regular committee reports submitted to plenary with recommendations and played a critical role in enhancing government accountability by inviting and questioning government officials and ensuring transparency and effectiveness in government operations.
“During the period under review, lawmakers in both houses were engaged in policy advocacy and oversight functions, ensuring alignment with public interests especially during the budget debates. There were increased public hearings, confirmation of public officials and improved communication with the executive branch,” the reported indicated.
Jarwolo further said the Legislature’s oversight activities has improved, marked by increased scrutiny of government actions and expenditures and the period saw a rise in public hearings and enhanced communication with the Executive, although challenges like limited access to voting records, the absence of a dedicated legislative website persist and limited legislative information available to the public.
He said during the review period, Naymote observed that the leadership of both houses fostered a collaborative environment, significantly enhancing oversight compared to the previous legislature.
He recommends that the legislature sets up a functional website, and ensure voting records of members of the legislature is made public and available to assess the performance of its members and legislature should submit itself for a full-scale financial and system audit as required of all other public institutions.
