NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – Nimba County District #7 Representative, Musa Hassan Bility, has introduced a bill seeking to make public debates mandatory for candidates contesting presidential, senatorial, and representative elections in Liberia.
The proposal was submitted to House Speaker Richard N. Koon and members of the House of Representatives during the current session.
By: Sampson W. Weah – sampsonwweah7@gmail.com
According to Representative Bility, individuals aspiring to public office must be prepared to engage voters directly and clearly outline their policies and plans.
“Those who want to govern must be ready to face the people and explain themselves,” he said, stressing that Liberia’s electoral process has long been dominated by rallies and slogans rather than substantive, issue-based discussions.
He added that elections should go beyond campaign noise, emphasizing the need for voters to hear concrete plans and make informed judgments.
If enacted, the bill will require the National Elections Commission to organize or approve debates while ensuring fairness among all candidates.
Under the proposal, presidential candidates will participate in at least two debates ahead of the first round of voting, while senatorial candidates will engage in at least one debate in each county. Representative candidates will also be required to debate within their respective districts.
The bill further outlines penalties for candidates who fail to participate without valid justification, with such actions potentially resulting in sanctions.
Representative Bility believes the measure will enhance voter awareness and promote informed decision-making.
The House of Representatives is expected to forward the bill to committee for further review.
