I’ve read articles and listened with apprehension, to the expressions of several Liberians detesting the anomalous composition of the Liberian Legislature. This demonstrates that aspirations and expectations are high. It seems now that everyone sees how high the demands for qualified Technocrats and professionals are becoming. It is quite unfortunate that these expectations don’t meet the demands or the other. Demands and standards remain a dream as long as the underlining policies governing standards for the legislature and any other Branch of Government are un-established, which of course, our President is introducing. We understand that standards for the Legislature were beyond her control prior to taking office, and may be even so now, but it’s never too late. I am surprised that we did not foresee scenarios like the Edwin Snowe’s and others coming prior to the election, which could have been avoided by introducing a national referendum for constitutional amendment specifically in Chapter V, pertinence to qualification and eligibility. Negligence of this made the Liberian Legislature vulnerable as it is presently. It’s become a loop for the uneducated and half educated, even the Chieftaincy could do better. It is quite understood that 70 (seventy) percent of our population is illiterate, and this affects the collective choices made as a nation, but those enlightened and in the institutions of change could effect and perfect the process of change through sound policies, and education beginning now.

The legislature issue is already done. We fear the consequences, however, there is always a solution. I vividly foresee a continuous education process to be administered by a separate entity, perhaps, the University of Liberia, or the empowerment of a Legislative College that transcends the ordinary orientation process. Whether within that Branch, or a separate entity, I cannot say, but it’ll definitely help to bring each person on the same level of thinking, and coherence, despite diverse opinions amidst party splits.

I hope our legislators can humbly accept any opportunity for self improvement, whether it is a Month abroad at a seminar, symposium, or short term program at LU, there is a lot to learn about Parliamentary procedures, Legislative Governance, Policies and Policy making, Terminologies, Public speaking, Research, Ethics, Conflict Management, and a lot more. Please do not disappoint the Liberian People with the “grumble or yes and no-high school politics” type of attitude. I am positive that Dr. Al Hassan Conteh and Many other Academicians, who are experienced in organizing the above, would be willing to do so in collaboration with willing and appropriate institutions abroad. I pray for the Best.

Elijah B. Karnley
Architect-City Planner & Project Manager.
Atlanta, Georgia
ekarnley@yahoo.com

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