Monrovia, Liberia – Solidarity & Trust for a New Day (STAND), a grassroots civil society group, has urged all House of Representatives members to put aside their partisan power struggles and concentrate on the pressing needs of the Liberian people.
STAND said in a statement on Monday that the country is watching as MPs prioritize political squabbles over the fundamental well-being of the people they were elected to represent.
Meanwhile, STAND is denouncing the legislative impasse that has resulted in a “shameful” standoff, exacerbating the misery of common Liberians who are already suffering as a result of the government’s shortcomings.
“The people’s interests must be prioritized, and internal strife must cease. Critical services are deteriorating while lawmakers argue.”
According to the group, the most vulnerable people are not receiving care because the healthcare system is failing due to a shortage of necessary prescription medications. Essential social services are growing more and more expensive, power prices are skyrocketing, and civil officials’ unpaid salaries are not enough to cover family expenses. These problems get worse every day that the impasse continues, and the people are the ones who suffer the most. When people chose their representatives, they did not expect this.
STAND cautions that ongoing parliamentary deadlock may jeopardize Liberian families’ beloved customs of Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, which are a time for harmony, peace, and family get-togethers. “Lawmakers must take immediate action to restore stability and address the urgent needs of their constituents, which are far more important than political positioning.”
STAND cautions that the continued divide among MPs might further undermine the government’s capacity to carry out its duties, worsen the already severe economic situation, and leave millions of Liberians without adequate services. “STAND calls on legislators to put aside their disagreements and work together to address the “bread and butter” issues the important, day-to-day issues that impact every Liberian.”
While acknowledging and upholding citizens’ rights to demonstrate, STAND urges organizers to do so in a nonviolent manner and to highlight the interests of the general public. Therefore, we implore the authorities to safeguard nonviolent demonstrators as they exercise their fundamental rights.
STAND serves as a reminder to all parties of their constitutional and fiduciary obligations as legislators to enforce the rule of law and the highest standards of accountability. They are expected to uphold the same high standards as other citizens, who are expected to obey the law and fulfill their responsibilities.
“STAND calls on all sides to have a productive conversation in order to quickly and amicably end this leadership stalemate, which is still interfering with legislative activities. STAND urges Liberia’s interfaith mediation council to take a more active role in securing a resolution and supports mediation efforts by the Liberian Senate, the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC), and other peace-loving organizations.
STAND also stated that its stance is unambiguous: it fully supports the people and wants no loyalty with any side. The directive is straightforward: put a halt to this power struggle and give the general welfare first priority, particularly as the holidays draw near. The people ought to have a House of Representatives that will serve their interests rather than be preoccupied with internal conflicts.
