The House of Representatives has rejected the passage of the LACC (Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission) amendment, which aimed to grant the President sole authority to remove LACC commissioners without Senate approval.
The Lawmakers unanimously argued that the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Law risks violating Articles 20(a) and 11(c) of the Constitution and that the proposed changes to the LACC Act may conflict with Article 3 (separation of powers) as well as weaken institutional independence.
Members of the House of Representatives voted to reject the amendment to the LACC Law on Thursday, during the 14th Day’s Sitting of the 1st Quarter of the 3rd Session of the Honorable House of Representatives, following a report from the Joint Committee on Public account and expenditure, Judiciary and Good Governance & Government.
The Report was sent back to the Joint Committee for additional three weeks to do more scrutiny.
However, Rep. Musa Bility of Nimba County District #7 argued in Session that the LACC amendment law should be sent back to the President, stressing that he thinks that the President didn’t see the law, which has a lot of constitutional violations.
Making the motion; Rep. Melvin Cole argued that owing to the Joint Committee’s recommendations which have valid points should therefore be returned to the Joint Committee for robust scrutiny.
Some Senators who begged for anonymity said yesterday that “The House made the right call, prioritizing the LACC’s independence and Liberia’s anti-corruption framework. This decision shows lawmakers are serious about keeping checks and balances in place. “
Joint committee’s Findings
The Committee concludes that:
“The amendment to the Criminal Procedure Law risks violating Articles 20(a) and 11(c) of the Constitution.
The proposed changes to the LACC Act may conflict with Article 3 (separation of powers) and weaken institutional independence.
House’s Committee recommendations:
The President be communicated with informing him of the constitutional violation that might ensue if his proposed amendments are legislated.
The President is reminded further that the proposed amendment redefines the burden of proof and statute of limitation unless revised to fully comply with constitutional guarantees and international best practices.
The President should reconsider the proposed LACC tenure and removal amendment to ensure genuine independence rather than increased political oversight.
There be a conduct of broader legal and civil society consultations before advancing forms affecting anti-corruption institutions and the President be reminded that all legislative reforms align with constitutional Articles’”
Prior to the House’s rejection of the Amendment LACC Law; the proposed amendment sparked intense debate, with critics arguing it would undermine the LACC’s autonomy and compromise its effectiveness in fighting corruption.
The LACC Chairperson, Alexandra Zoe, warned that such a change would erode the commission’s credibility and violate international anti-corruption conventions.
