Monrovia — A major boost to legislative accountability efforts took shape on Thursday, January 29, as the Legislative Monitoring Coalition of Liberia (LEMOL) formally signed grant agreements with the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy (NIMD) at its headquarters in Sinkor, Monrovia, under a European Union–funded governance project.
By Jaheim Tumu
The signing ceremony brought together civil society leaders, development partners, and democracy-support institutions, marking a key milestone under Outcome Three of a bilateral support initiative aimed at strengthening state accountability through effective legislative oversight.
The initiative is funded by the European Union, with co-sponsorship from the Embassies of Sweden and Ireland, and is implemented by NIMD in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Focus on Institutional Performance, Not Individual Lawmakers
Speaking ahead of the signing, Cllr. Oscar Bloh, Country Director of NIMD and head of the Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP), clarified that the monitoring framework deliberately avoids ranking individual lawmakers.
“This monitoring is not about scorecards assessing individual legislators,” Bloh said. “It is about evaluating the institutional performance of the Legislature, based on four key indicators: participation, inclusion, transparency, and accountability.”
He explained that LEMOL operates through a cluster-based model, with civil society organizations grouped around specific performance indicators. Each cluster is responsible for tracking and reporting on how the Legislature performs institutionally under its assigned theme.
Under the arrangement, the Participation Cluster is led by CEMESP, while other clusters focus on inclusion, transparency, and accountability.
Bloh noted that the project builds on earlier phases that yielded tangible results, particularly during Liberia’s recent budget development process.
“We have already seen civil society actively engaging the Legislature and drawing public attention to oversight issues,” he said. “This grant ensures that the work continues in a more structured, coordinated, and impactful manner.”
UNDP, Partners Hail Democratic Gains
Representing UNDP, Katie Green, Chief Technical Advisor of the Liberia Electoral Support Project (LESP), welcomed the grant signing as a critical step in consolidating democratic gains.
“As the agency managing the Liberia Electoral Support Project, we are pleased to witness this signing ceremony,” Green said, thanking the EU, Sweden, and Ireland for their support.
She commended the coalition for its visibility and early impact, particularly in media engagement around legislative oversight.
“This agreement enables you to continue this important work and reinforces the project’s objective of promoting transparency, participation, inclusion, and accountability as pillars of democracy in Liberia,” she said.
Green also emphasized the importance of collaboration among civil society actors, noting that improved coordination strengthens oversight of the Legislature.
EU Stresses Ethics, Evidence-Based Oversight
Speaking on behalf of EU Ambassador Marie-Paul, Dimitri De Peus, Attaché for Private Sector Development, Financial Instruments, and Trade at the EU Delegation to Liberia, underscored the need for integrity and professionalism in legislative monitoring.
“Oversight is most effective when it is carried out with integrity, professionalism, and clear, validated methodologies,” De Peus said, quoting the Ambassador.
He described the memorandum of understanding as an opportunity to strengthen national systems and capacities, stressing that civil society credibility depends on ethical standards, transparency, and evidence-based work.
De Peus praised NIMD, UNDP, and the coalition for early progress and assured partners of the EU’s continued support.
Civil Society Pledges Sustained Engagement
Malcolm W. Joseph, Head of CEMESP, described the partnership with NIMD as both strategic and impactful.
“Our work focuses on legislative monitoring and strengthening engagement between constituencies and their lawmakers,” Joseph said. “The success of the first phase motivated the continuation of this project, and we are fully committed to delivering results.”
Meanwhile, Joseph Chanyon, representing the Institute for Democratic Action and Development (IDAD)—which leads the Transparency and Accountability Cluster—reaffirmed civil society’s collective resolve.
“We cannot do this alone, but together we can apply sustained pressure on leaders, especially the Legislature, to do the right thing,” Chanyon said, emphasizing the link between accountability and national development.
He pledged unity and sustained engagement on behalf of coalition members, including IDAD, IRED, the Center for Transparency and Accountability, and Interactive Watch.
The grant signing reinforces Liberia’s broader democratic reform agenda by empowering civil society to systematically monitor legislative performance, amplify citizen voices, and promote accountable governance.
As Liberia continues to consolidate its democratic institutions, initiatives like LEMOL serve as a critical bridge between citizens and lawmakers—ensuring that legislative power is exercised transparently, inclusively, and in the public interest.
