Senators Introduce Bill To Elect Superintendents, City Mayors

A bill seeking the election of city mayors and council members has been submitted to the Liberian Senate for deliberations.

The proposed legislation titled, an Act to provide for the Election of City mayors and council members, is sponsored by Grand Bassa County Senator John Whitfield and Maryland County Senator Dan Morias.

Senator Whitfield on Tuesday said the passage of the bill into law would create independent municipal authorities, free of direct control of presidential and party influences.

The Grand Bassa lawmaker stressed that the bill also seeks to restore the fundamental Constitutional right of citizens that “power is inherent in the people.”

He made the statement on the Senate floor during the introduction of the draft law.

He further noted that the draft law intends to ensure accountability and transparency at the local government level.

But Article 54 of the Liberian Constitution, among other things, says the President has the power to nominate and with the consent of the Senate, appoints superintendents and other county officials, including city mayors and city council members.

Meanwhile, the Senate has sent the bill to its Committee on Judiciary for initial deliberations.