Monrovia – A formidable coalition of civil society organizations and media institutions has officially formalized its partnership to establish the Legislative Monitoring Coalition of Liberia (LEMCOL). This new collective is designed to dramatically boost legislative transparency, accountability, and participatory governance in the country
By Francis G. Boayue
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in Monrovia over the weekend, marks a pivotal step in Liberia’s push to enhance democratic oversight and responsible governance.
The ceremony brought together influential leaders from CSOs, media organizations and key development partners.
Speaking on behalf of Counselor Oscar Bloh, Country Director of the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy, Program Assistant Barwudu D. Williams, called the launch a “crucial step toward strengthening collaboration between CSOs and the media in advancing transparency and accountability within Liberia’s legislature.”
Funded by the EU, Irish Aid and Sweden, LEMCOL is co-funded by the European Union, Irish Aid, and the Embassy of Sweden under the Liberia Electoral Support Project Plus, which is managed by the United Nations Development Programme and jointly implemented by NIMD and UN Women.
Williams emphasized that the initiative aligns with NIMD’s focus on legislative oversight, noting that the organization will provide technical support to help LEMCOL build synergy around three key indicators: transparency, participation, and inclusion.
“We are optimistic that the coalition will build a constructive working relationship with the Legislature while promoting transparency in the performance of lawmakers’ statutory duties,” Williams stated. “Together, we will ensure that information about legislative processes remains accessible, with the public’s interest at the center.’’
The newly signed MOU establishes a comprehensive framework for cooperation, rooted in shared values like democratic governance, integrity, inclusivity, and evidence-based advocacy.
The Coalition will be governed by a National Steering Committee of five representatives who will provide strategic leadership and coordinate activities.
The structure also sets out clear protocols for resource sharing, conflict resolution, and communication, ensuring the body operates transparently and maintains independence from political influence.
Joseph Cheayan, Executive Director of one of the founding member organizations, praised the partners and stressed the imperative of collective monitoring of the Liberian Legislature.
“Today’s signing is a manifestation of our shared commitment to work together for a responsive and accountable legislature,” Cheayan said. “Civil society and media institutions must play their role in ensuring that governance in Liberia reflects transparency and public interest.”
Among the founding members are the Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP), Accountability Lab Liberia, InFoQuest Liberia, Youth Led for Positive Change, and LEGISPOL Liberia. Several national media outlets, including Daily Observers, FrontPage Africa, and OK FM, are also participating.
The ceremony was hosted by the Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia WONGOSOL, a key advocate for inclusive governance.
LEMCOL was first conceptualized during an NIMD-organized workshop, which highlighted the critical need for a coordinated civil society platform to systematically monitor legislative activities.
The Coalition is committed to advancing policy advocacy based on credible data and research. Crucially, members have committed to upholding gender sensitivity, ensuring equal representation of women, youth, and marginalized groups in the monitoring process.
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