Monrovia – The House of Representatives has transitioned from the 53rd to the 54th Legislature and would be headed by Representative Bhofal Chambers (Maryland County, District #2).
Report by Henry Karmo, [email protected]
The transition took place during an official ceremony held Monday, January 15, 2018 in the joint chambers of the Capitol Building.
As part of the ceremony, members of the 54th Legislature presented credentials, which included their certificates of election from the National Elections Commission (NEC).
Rep. Chambers, well known for being critical of the outing government, was elected Speaker of the 54th Legislature on a white ballot.
He is a member of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) – the incoming government.
Bong County lawmaker Prince Moye was also elected as Deputy Speaker with 41 votes. He was opposed by former Deputy Speaker of the 53rd Legislature, Hans Barchue who got 25 votes.
Speaking during the ceremony, outgoing Speaker, Emmanuel Nuquay, said as their tenure comes to an end, it is time that a new set of lawmakers be given the opportunity to serve and examine the 53rd Legislature.
Rep. Nuquay relinquished his seat to contest as running mate to Vice President Joseph Boakai who lost the 2017 elections to former international soccer star George Weah.
Rep. Nuquay during the ceremony described Vice President Boakai as a man who has proven to be a selfless leader and cares about his country.
He thanked the outgoing Vice President for his service to his country and the legislature where he served as President of the Senate.