Representative Jerry Yogboh/ House of Representatives image
By Fiona Benson Kollie
Monrovia-Members of the House of Representatives have passed amendments to Section 5.2 of the Code of Conduct, following a proposal by Montserrado County District #12 Representative Jerry Yogboh.
The decision was taken on recently during the 15th Day Sitting of the Second Quarter of the Third Session after plenary considered and adopted a joint committee report on the proposed changes.
According to the committee, election disputes stemming from the 2017 and 2023 General and Presidential Elections exposed challenges in interpreting and implementing Sections 5.1 and 5.2 of the Code of Conduct. The report noted that varying interpretations of the provisions created ambiguities that affected their enforcement.
The amendment seeks to remove ambiguity surrounding the phrase “desires to canvass or contest,” clarify that resignation is mandatory for all officials listed under Sections 5.2(a) and (b) as well as other appointed government officials seeking elected office, retain the existing resignation timelines, and promote uniformity and enforceability in applying the Code of Conduct.
The committee said the changes would eliminate uncertainties, strengthen enforcement, and provide clearer legal guidance for future elections.
In its recommendation, the committee urged plenary to adopt the amendment in its entirety, describing it as a major step toward improving the legal framework governing public officials and ensuring consistent implementation of the law.
Following deliberations, plenary unanimously adopted the committee’s recommendation and passed the amendment, forwarding it to the Liberian Senate for concurrence.
