Monrovia, Liberia – Representative Musa Hassan Bility of Nimba County District #7 has introduced four sweeping legislative reform bills aimed at strengthening Liberia’s financial system, improving political accountability, and expanding democratic participation.
In a press statement issued in Monrovia on Monday, March 9, 2026, Bility said the proposals are grounded in the constitutional responsibility of the Legislature to enact laws that promote democratic governance, economic development, and the welfare of the Liberian people.
Citing Article 29 of the Constitution, which vests legislative authority in the National Legislature, Bility said lawmakers have a duty to introduce reforms that ensure the effective functioning of the state. “All power is inherent in the people and government derives its authority from their consent,” Bility noted, referencing Article 1 of the Constitution.
“Our institutions must therefore evolve in ways that reflect the will and welfare of the Liberian people.”
The four proposed measures target key gaps in Liberia’s financial and political systems. One of the bills seeks to establish a National Credit Bureau, a centralized system that would track the credit history of borrowers across the country.
According to Bility, Liberia currently lacks a reliable national credit reporting framework, making it difficult for financial institutions to assess borrower risk.
The proposed bureau would allow banks to access verified credit histories before approving loans, a move Bility said would strengthen financial discipline, reduce loan defaults, and expand access to credit for responsible borrowers, particularly small and medium-sized businesses.
A second proposal focuses on Deposit-to-Loan Ratio reform for commercial banks. The legislation would encourage banks to reinvest a reasonable share of deposits collected in Liberia back into the domestic economy through loans to businesses and entrepreneurs.
Bility argued that although banks receive large deposits from individuals and institutions, a significant portion of those funds does not always translate into loans that stimulate economic growth, limiting opportunities for job creation and business expansion.
The third bill addresses what Bility described as a growing challenge in Liberia’s political system, party defections by elected officials. The proposed Anti-Defection law would require lawmakers and other elected officials who were elected under the banner of a political party to remain with that party or face consequences.
Bility said the measure is intended to protect the integrity of the political party system and ensure that officials respect the mandate given to them by voters. “During elections, citizens vote not only for individuals but for the political platforms they represent,” he said, warning that frequent defections undermine voter trust and weaken democratic institutions.
The fourth proposal seeks to introduce a legal framework for absentee voting, allowing eligible Liberian citizens who cannot physically appear at polling stations on election day to cast ballots through authorized procedures.
Bility noted that many Liberians, including students abroad, security personnel on national duty, citizens receiving medical treatment, and those temporarily outside their counties, often miss the opportunity to vote because of the absence of an absentee voting system.
The legislation would authorize the National Elections Commission to administer absentee voting procedures to ensure broader participation in elections. According to Bility, expanding access to voting is essential to strengthening Liberia’s democracy and ensuring that more citizens can exercise their constitutional rights.
“These proposals are practical reforms aimed at strengthening Liberia’s democratic and economic institutions,” he said.
“Improving financial transparency, expanding access to credit, reinforcing political accountability, and increasing electoral participation are essential steps toward building a stronger Liberia.”
Bility said he expects the bills to generate discussion within the Legislature, civil society, and the broader public as the country considers reforms designed to deepen democratic governance and stimulate economic opportunity.
Reported by: Prince Saah
