“The People Must Be Heard” — Speaker Koon Pushes for Consultation on Proposal to Expand Legislative Seats

MONROVIA, LIBERIA: The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Richard Nagbe Koon has constituted a Specialized Committee to conduct nationwide public consultations on a proposed bill seeking to create fourteen new seats in the House.

Recently, members of the House of Representatives voted to pass a bill that aims to expand districts across Liberia from 73 to 87, through the creation of additional Legislative seats.

The bill pending concurrence before the Liberian Senate seeks to expand districts in Bong County by two; Grand Bassa County (one), Grand Cape Mount County (one), Grand Gedeh County (one), Lofa County (two), Margibi County (one), Montserrado County (four) and Nimba County (two).

The move has been greeted by mixed reactions from the public, with terming it as placing financial burdens of the state, while others say it will enhance representation, oversight and lawmaking.

Amidst growing public concerns over the bill, House Speaker Richard Koon on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, set up a specialized committee to engage “citizens, traditional leaders, civil society actors, key national stakeholders" to solicit views and recommendations on the proposed creation of additional Legislative seats.

According to the Speaker, the consultation process is intended to “promote transparency, inclusiveness, and national ownership of any decision taken by the House,” adding that the Legislature “remains committed to acting in line with the will and best interest of the Liberian people.”

The Specialized Committee is expected to submit a “comprehensive report” to Plenary at the conclusion of the consultations, after which the House will determine “the appropriate next course of action” on legislation that could significantly reshape Liberia’s legislative structure.

The Speaker action moves to place public opinion at the center of a contentious national debate.

The decision follows a tense and protracted debate during Tuesday's session, where some lawmakers expressed opposing views on the House's initial stance on the bill.

Some members warned that expanding the Legislative seats “may not be in the best interest of the Liberian people,” citing economic concerns and perceived underperformance of lawmakers on national duty.

Given the national importance of the proposed legislation, Plenary agreed that the issue “cannot be decided in isolation” and that the voices of ordinary Liberians must be heard before any final action is taken.

The specialized Committee to conduct a nationwideide consultation is made up of two Representatives from each of Liberia’s fifteen counties.

The Committee is chaired by Nimba County Electoral District #6 Representative Dorwohn T. Gleekia, with Bong County Electoral District #2 Representative James M. Kolleh serving as Co-Chair.