House Committee Recommends Electoral Overhaul, Proposes 16 Additional Seats to Raise Legislature to 89 Districts in Bid to Address Population Disparities
BY: Nathaniel Emmanuel Davis
MONROVIA, Liberia — The House of Representatives is poised to undertake a major political restructuring after a Special Committee on Tuesday recommended a new population threshold for electoral districts that would increase the total number of seats in the chamber from 73 to 89.
Presenting its report to plenary, the committee said the proposal affects all 15 counties and guarantees that no county will lose its current representation, while introducing 16 additional seats to address population disparities identified in updated demographic data.
Under the recommendation, Montserrado County, which currently holds 17 seats, would receive three additional seats.
Nimba, Lofa, and Bong counties would each receive two additional seats, Margibi, Grand Bassa, Grand Gedeh, Grand Cape Mount, Maryland, Sinoe, and Bomi counties would receive one additional seat each.
The remaining counties would retain their existing number of districts, with no changes to current boundaries.
The committee’s report indicates that heavily populated counties—particularly Montserrado, Nimba, Bong, and Lofa—would see the most significant increases, reflecting updated population figures.
The proposal also introduces a tier-based system intended to guide future districting and provide the National Elections Commission (NEC) with a clearer standard for determining representation.
Supporters of the plan argue it will correct long-standing imbalances and strengthen democratic representation.
Critics, however, contend that expanding the Legislature could increase government spending and raise concerns about legislative efficiency.