STAND Calls for End to House Leadership Impasse -Laments Lawmakers’ Insensitivity to Masses’ Hardship

MONROVIA – The grassroots civil society organization, Solidarity & Trust for a New Day (STAND), has called upon all members of the House of Representatives to end what it described “their self-serving power struggle” as to focus on the urgent needs of the Liberian people.

The nation is watching as lawmakers place political squabbles above the basic welfare of the masses they swore to serve, the organization said, condemning the legislative deadlock that has created “a shameful stalemate, deepening the suffering of ordinary Liberians who are already burdened by the government’s failures”.

“The in-fighting must end, and the interests of the people given high priority,” STAND demand, asserting that while lawmakers bicker, critical social services are deteriorating and the ordinary people are suffering.

The group observed: “The country’s healthcare system is failing as it runs short of essential prescription drugs, leaving the most vulnerable without care. Civil servants’ unpaid salaries are barely sufficient to meet family needs; electricity costs are soaring, and essential social services are becoming increasingly unaffordable. Each day the stalemate persists, these hardships worsen, and the masses bear the brunt and pay the price. This was not what they bargained for when they elected their lawmakers.”

With the Christmas and New Year holidays fast approaching—a time meant for unity, peace, and family gatherings, STAND warned that continued legislative gridlock threatens to rob Liberian families of these cherished traditions.

“Lawmakers must act now to restore stability and meet their constituents’ pressing needs, which are far more urgent than political positioning,” the civil society group added, further indicating that ongoing division among lawmakers risks further destabilizing the government’s ability to function, exacerbating an already dire economic condition and leaving millions of Liberians underserved.

STAND urged concerned lawmakers to end their differences and unite to address the “bread and butter” issues—the critical, everyday concerns that affect every Liberian.

“While we recognize and respect the rights of citizens to protest,” STAND says the organizers should do so peacefully and put first the interest of the masses.

STAND, in a press statement issued to the media, reminded both sides of their constitutional and fiduciary duties as lawmakers to uphold the highest standards of accountability and the rule of law.

“They must hold themselves to the same high standards as ordinary citizens, whom they expect to follow the law and meet their obligations,” the group said, pleading with both parties to engage in constructive dialogue to peacefully and swiftly resolve this leadership impasse, which continues to disrupt legislative proceedings.

STAND said in the release that it supports mediation efforts by the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC), the Liberian Senate and other peace-loving groups, and called upon Liberia’s interfaith mediation council to play a more active role in ensuring a resolution.

“We seek no allegiance with either side but stands firmly with the people,” it said also. “The mandate is simple: put an end to this power struggle and prioritize the welfare of the masses, especially as the holiday season approaches. The people deserve a House of Representatives that will work for their needs, not one consumed by selfish internal battles.”