of Representatives on Tuesday failed to convene session.

President Sirleaf’s request was intended to allow the deliberation and passage into law of several bills, including the MCC Compact, Electricity Bill and Police and Immigration Acts sent to the Representatives several weeks earlier.

Legislative reporters and members of civil society had gathered at the House as usual to witness the session, but the doors of the House’s Chambers remained closed throughout the day, indicating that they were not sitting.

Reasons for the failure were not established, but sources close to the leadership of the House, who opted not to be named, told the Liberia News Agency that the legislators did not convene because they were preparing a resolution to legitimize the extension as requested by the President.

In keeping with the Constitution of Liberia, in the event the President requests the legislators to extend their sitting, there should be a resolution signed by a two-thirds majority of the membership of the body.
Under the Constitution, the House should take its annual break or recess in September and return in January the following year.
LINA HVW/TSS/PTK