MINNEAPOLIS, USA – July 20, 2026 – The Association of Liberian Journalists in the Americas (ALJA) has called for the immediate suspension of a proposal to increase Liberia’s electoral districts from 73 to 89, urging the government to ensure that any changes to the country’s electoral map strictly comply with the Constitution and are supported by credible population data.
In a statement issued Friday, ALJA expressed concern over the recent decision by the House of Representatives to adopt a resolution proposing the creation of additional electoral districts, arguing that such a significant constitutional and governance matter must be handled through established legal processes and broad public consultation.
While acknowledging the constitutional objective of ensuring fair and equitable representation, the Association emphasized that any expansion of the House of Representatives must be guided by Liberia’s Constitution and the legally mandated role of the National Elections Commission (NEC).
ALJA noted that Article 80(d) and (e) of the 1986 Constitution provides that legislative representation should be based on population and that any reapportionment of electoral constituencies should be carried out through the NEC rather than by unilateral legislative action.
“Liberians deserve complete transparency regarding the constitutional and legal basis, demographic justification, and fiscal implications of any proposal to increase the number of legislative seats or create additional electoral districts,” the Association said.
Raises Concerns Over Financial Implications
ALJA National President Joey T. Kennedy warned that increasing the number of legislative seats would place an additional financial burden on the Liberian government at a time when the country continues to face pressing economic and social challenges.
According to Kennedy, if enacted into law, the proposal would require the government to commit millions of dollars in public funds to establish new legislative offices, provide salaries and benefits for additional lawmakers, recruit support staff, expand security services, and cover other recurring operational expenses.
He argued that limited national resources would be better invested in improving healthcare, education, road infrastructure, job creation, and poverty reduction.
“At a time when many Liberian communities continue to grapple with inadequate healthcare services, deteriorating road infrastructure, limited educational opportunities, high youth unemployment, and widespread poverty, scarce national resources should instead be directed toward improving the lives and livelihoods of ordinary Liberians,” Kennedy stated.
Calls for Inclusive National Dialogue
ALJA also called for broad-based national consultations before any further action is taken on the proposal, saying changes of such constitutional, political, and fiscal significance should involve civil society organizations, professional associations, religious institutions, political parties, traditional leaders, the media, and the general public.
The Association said reforms affecting Liberia’s democratic institutions should reflect the collective will of the Liberian people rather than being perceived as advancing narrow political interests.
Four Key Demands
ALJA urged authorities to suspend further legislative action until several conditions are met, including:
- The public disclosure of the full fiscal impact of increasing the number of legislators;
- An open, transparent, and inclusive national dialogue allowing citizens to participate meaningfully in the process;
- A clear explanation of the constitutional and legal basis for the proposed expansion; and
- The public presentation by the National Elections Commission of the population and constituency data supporting the proposed reapportionment in accordance with its constitutional mandate.
Calls for Constitutional Compliance
The Association reaffirmed its commitment to constitutionalism, accountability, and good governance, stressing that public confidence in Liberia’s democratic institutions depends on lawful and transparent decision-making.
ALJA urged the House of Representatives, the Senate, the National Elections Commission, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to ensure that any proposal to alter Liberia’s electoral map fully complies with the Constitution, is supported by reliable demographic data, and undergoes thorough public scrutiny before any legislative or constitutional action is taken.
Founded in 1998, the Association of Liberian Journalists in the Americas (ALJA) is a U.S.-based nonprofit organization of current and former Liberian journalists dedicated to promoting press freedom, democracy, accountability, good governance, and the rule of law through responsible journalism and media advocacy.
