The Chairman of the Rule of Law Caucus in the House of Representatives Musa H. Bility has blasted President Joseph N. Boakai for unilaterally removing and suspending the Chairperson of the National Election Commission (NEC). Davidetta Browne-Lansanah
In a statement issued vai his Facebook page on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, Representatives Bility said the decision by the president raises profound concerns for those of them that are committed to the principles of democracy, constitutional governance and the rule of law.
Bility said the Rule of Law Caucus finds the action deeply alarming, as it undermines the foundation of democracy and threatens to erode the progress the nation has fought so hard to achieve.
“The National Elections Commission was established as a tenured institution under the Constitution precisely to safeguard it from political interference. The Supreme Court of Liberia has ruled unequivocally that the suspension of tenured officers is tantamount to their removal,” he said.
According to him, such removals are constitutionally permissible only through the impeachment process, which involves the National Legislature and by bypassing this process, the President has overstepped the boundaries of his authority, contravening the separation of powers and undermining constitutional protections.
He further said the decision to remove NEC Chairperson as an individual who presided over a hotly contested election and upheld its results sends a chilling message about the state of their democracy.
The Nimba County Representative said the Chairperson’s removal undermines public confidence in the electoral system, a cornerstone of democracy, and without trust in free and fair elections, the very legitimacy of the government is called into question.
“This action is not just about one individual—it is about the future of governance in Liberia. It sets a dangerous precedent where the independence of institutions mandated to ensure fairness and transparency is compromised at the whims of the Executive. Such actions threaten the democratic fabric of our nation and place us on an unsteady path toward authoritarianism,” Bility said.
He wants the president to rescind his decision immediately and allow constitutional processes to prevail, adding that removing or suspending the NEC Chairperson without the proper constitutional channels is a grave misstep that risks plunging the country into uncharted territory, and once the people lose faith in the electoral process, the very essence of democracy is at stake.
He said Liberians have worked tirelessly to build and sustain the democracy, overcoming years of conflict and political instability and to see these hard-fought gains jeopardized is unacceptable.
“We must remember that democracy is fragile; it requires constant vigilance and adherence to the rule of law. To our fellow Liberians, let this moment serve as a wake-up call. A democracy thrives only when its institutions are strong, independent, and respected. When those institutions are undermined, we all stand to lose,”he said.
The lawmaker said this is not just a matter of governance but a matter of national survival, and if they allow this dangerous action to stand, they risk eroding the trust and stability that have been the bedrock of Liberia’s democratic progress.
By Tonita N. Copson
