Monrovia, Liberia In a move aimed at strengthening representative democracy, the House of Representatives has voted to expand the total number of seats in Liberia’s Legislature from 73 to 87, following an assessment of population changes captured in the 2022 National Population and Housing Census. The decision will take effect only if the Liberian Senate concurs.
The House’s action adds 14 new electoral districts across the country, with the distribution of seats reflecting population shifts and growth patterns identified in the census. Under the proposed arrangement, Bong County will gain two additional seats, while Lofa County and Nimba County will also receive two seats each. Montserrado County, Liberia’s most populous county and home to the capital, will receive the highest increase with four new seats.
Grand Bassa County, Grand Cape Mount County, Grand Gedeh County, and Margibi County are each slated to receive one additional seat, bringing broader representation to areas that have experienced demographic changes over the past decade.
Lawmakers in support of the measure argue that the increase is long overdue, noting that the current number of representatives no longer accurately reflects the country’s growing population. They contend that creating new districts will reduce overrepresentation in densely populated constituencies and allow citizens to have better access to their lawmakers.
However, the decision has also sparked public debate, with some critics raising concerns about the financial implications of expanding the Legislature, including increased costs for salaries, benefits, and administrative support. Others have questioned the timing of the move, calling for greater public consultation and transparency in the redistricting process.
Under Liberia’s Constitution, the reapportionment of legislative seats must be based on population data and approved by both chambers of the Legislature. With the House’s approval secured, attention now turns to the Senate, whose concurrence or rejection will determine whether the proposed expansion becomes law.
If the Senate endorses the measure, the National Elections Commission will be tasked with redefining electoral boundaries in line with the new districts ahead of future elections, marking a significant shift in Liberia’s legislative and political landscape. By: Sampson W Weah, sampsonwweah7@gmail.com
