The Speaker of the House of Representatives is facing challenges in transacting legislative business as he struggles to obtain a quorum during the 7th Day sitting of the third quarter of the 55th Legislature. On Tuesday, June 2, 2026, the House of Representatives could not conduct the Liberian people’s business due to an insufficient number of lawmakers available to constitute the legally required quorum.
Speaking to reporters, Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon expressed frustration towards some lawmakers who continue to abandon their legislative duties. The Speaker vowed to deduct salaries of lawmakers if they continue to neglect their legislative functions by not reporting to work to conduct the Liberian people’s business. He noted that lawmakers were elected to work for the people through the passage of laws and to use their oversight responsibilities.
According to him, the leadership will use all available rules of the House to ensure that lawmakers who are not reporting to work have their salaries deducted. Speaker Koon added that if representatives continue to be absent from regular sittings, the leadership will begin to deduct their salaries.
Koon rose to the Speakership through a legislative impasse that intensified in late 2024 when lawmakers were split within the 73-member House between factions loyal to former Speaker J. Fonati Koffa and those supporting Representative Richard Koon as Speaker. Both blocs held separate sessions and claimed constitutional legitimacy, leaving the House unable to function and stalling the Legislature’s operations.
The deadlock delayed deliberations on the national budget, oversight hearings, and the confirmation of presidential appointees, which threatened public services and investor confidence ahead of key economic reforms planned for the 55th Legislature’s third session.
After months of back-and-forth, Koffa resigned, and a fresh election brought Speaker Koon to the driver’s seat. Many in the opposition have expressed frustration with the manner in which Speaker Koon has been running the legislature, particularly with the expulsion of District #10 lawmaker Yekeh Kolubah, which many believe indicates that the legislature is not fully reconciled and the Speaker was wrongly using his power.
Article 33 of the 1986 Constitution states that a simple majority constitutes a quorum for the transaction of legislative business. With 73 members in the House, at least 37 representatives must be present to legally debate and pass legislation. A lower number may only adjourn and “compel the attendance of absent members,” but cannot pass laws, confirm nominees, or approve appropriations.
