Lawmakers of the 55th House of Representatives are expected to continue debates for the allocation of additional electoral seats after they failed to reach a common understanding on Tuesday. It can be recalled that tensions rose at the 3rd session of the House on January 20, 2025, as lawmakers debated a motion to reconsider the allocation of 14 additional seats, with larger counties pushing for greater representation.
The motion, read in plenary by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives, issued to Speaker Richard Koon by Lofa County District #2 lawmaker Momo Safia Kopto, states that “Based on the motion for reconsideration, a procedural right guaranteed under the rules permits me to use this right to call on the plenary to reconsider its decision on the passing of thresholds, which is not a minor matter. It carries serious political, legal, and national consequences and must therefore be subjected to scrutiny, not rushed.”
The motion sparked intense debate on representation. Lawmakers express varying opinions on the allocation of additional seats. Grand Gedeh District #3 lawmaker Jacob C. Debee argues that bigger counties should get more seats, stating, “It’s only fair.” Bomi County District #2 lawmaker Manah Bishop Johnson believes that seats should be distributed equally or not given at all, adding that it’s not only bigger counties that will generate revenue to pay for all of the additional districts or seats.
Sinoe County District #2 lawmaker Samson Quejue Wiah joked that shutting down ministries and agencies to increase district representation is important.
The motion’s fate hangs in the balance as lawmakers couldn’t deliberate on its reconsideration. The Speaker preferred to postpone the matter to today (Thursday, January 22, 2026). Lawmakers will reconvene to continue debating the motion for reconsideration, and the Speaker may call for a vote if possible.
By Joseph Sirleaf
