Rep. Austin Taylor Opposes Creation of 14 New Electoral Districts, Citing Economic Strain

CAPITOL HILL – Rep. Austin Taylor of Maryland County District #3 has strongly rejected the decision by the House of Representatives to pass a bill seeking the creation of fourteen (14) additional electoral districts before the 2029 general elections.

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By: Peter P. Toe, Jr.

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He made the statements via his Facebook page Tuesday evening.

The bill, titled “A Constitutionally and Politically Guided Framework for Reapportioning Liberia’s Constituencies Before the 2029 Elections,” proposes increasing Liberia’s electoral districts from seventy-three (73) to eighty-seven (87), affecting eight counties including Bong, Grand Bassa, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Gedeh, Lofa, Margibi, Montserrado, and Nimba.

While acknowledging the value of fair representation, Rep. Taylor argued that the timing of the expansion is not in the best interest of ordinary Liberians, stressing that the country’s harsh economic realities make such a move unwise.

Economy Too Weak for Expanded Legislature

Rep. Taylor warned that creating new districts would significantly increase recurrent government spending due to the need for additional lawmakers, legislative staff, administrative offices, and logistics.

“Our economy is struggling with low revenue and limited fiscal space,” he said. “Adding more districts now will widen the gap between spending and available resources, weaken service delivery, and place further burden on already struggling taxpayers.”

Education Sector in Critical Condition

The Maryland County lawmaker highlighted the dire state of the education sector, noting that thousands of volunteer teachers remain unpaid while many public schools lack basic materials and proper infrastructure.

“Before expanding political representation, we must invest in education—the foundation of national growth,” Rep. Taylor said, calling the move a “misplacement of national priorities.”

Health Services Severely Underfunded

Rep. Taylor also raised concerns about the poor state of healthcare, especially in remote areas such as Barrobo and Karluway, where residents walk long distances to access medical services.

“With inadequate supplies, limited staff, and weak county health systems, directing scarce funds to new districts ignores the pressing health needs of our people,” he emphasized.

Unemployment and High Cost of Living Persist

The lawmaker listed youth unemployment, rising living costs, and limited economic opportunities as issues requiring urgent national attention.
He recommended channeling resources into job creation, strengthening the private sector, and boosting agriculture and manufacturing instead of expanding the Legislature.

Civil Servants Deserve Better

Rep. Taylor further argued that civil servants continue to face low salaries and irregular pay despite carrying the weight of government operations.

“Improving their welfare must be prioritized before considering new legislative seats,” he added.

Existing Districts Still Undeveloped

He pointed out that many of Liberia’s current districts lack basic necessities such as reliable roads, electricity, safe drinking water, sanitation, and security presence.

“We must strengthen governance and development in the 73 existing districts before adding more,” he noted.

Focus on Citizens’ Immediate Needs

Rep. Austin Taylor concluded that national priorities must align with the pressing needs of Liberians—better roads, clean water, quality education, healthcare, jobs, and lower living costs.

“The purpose of government is not to enlarge itself, but to improve the lives of its people,” he said. “Until the economy becomes strong enough to support such changes without undermining essential services, I cannot in good conscience support the creation of additional districts.”