By: Sampson W Weah – sampsonwweah7@gmail.com
Monrovia, Liberia – In a move aimed at strengthening representative democracy, the House of Representatives has voted to expand Liberia’s Legislature from 73 to 87 seats, following population changes recorded in the 2022 National Population and Housing Census.
The expansion will take effect only if the Senate concurs.
The House’s decision adds 14 new electoral districts nationwide, with seat allocations reflecting population shifts and growth patterns identified in the census. Bong County will gain two additional seats, as will Lofa and Nimba counties.
Montserrado County, Liberia’s most populous county and home to the capital, will see the largest increase with four new seats.
Grand Bassa, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Gedeh, and Margibi counties are each slated to receive one additional seat, ensuring broader representation in areas that have experienced demographic changes over the past decade.
Supporters of the measure argue that the increase is long overdue, noting that the current number of representatives no longer reflects the country’s growing population.
They say creating new districts will reduce overrepresentation in densely populated constituencies and improve citizens’ access to their lawmakers.
However, the move has sparked public debate. Critics have raised concerns about the financial implications of expanding the Legislature, including higher costs for salaries, benefits, and administrative support.
Others have questioned the timing and called for more public consultation and transparency in the redistricting process.
Under Liberia’s Constitution, legislative reapportionment 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 will determine whether the expansion becomes law.
If endorsed by the Senate, the National Elections Commission will be responsible for redefining electoral boundaries in line with the new districts ahead of future elections, marking a significant shift in Liberia’s legislative and political landscape.
