FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES OF democracy ensure popular sovereignty, where power stems from the people through free elections, equality, and the rule of law. Key tenets include protecting human rights, minority rights, and individual freedoms—such as freedom of speech and assembly—while maintaining governance, accountability, transparency, and a multi-party system.
THE LIBERIAN HOUSE OF Representatives is making every effort to claim onto itself these fundamental principles of democracy when it overwhelmingly voted and expelled Montserrado County District-10 Representative, Yekeh Kolubah, on Friday, April 17, 2026 in the absence of “Due Process of Law”.
DUE PROCESS OF LAW ensures fair treatment under the legal system, requiring the government to respect individual rights before depriving anyone of life, liberty, or property. Key effects include mandatory notice of accusations, the right to a fair hearing, impartial adjudication, and the ability to present evidence and counsel.
ACCORDING THEM, REASON FOR Yekeh’s expulsion is centered on the action followed an investigation into allegations of "gross breach of duty and violation of oath of office," stemming from controversial remarks he made regarding the Liberia-Guinea border crisis.
LAWMAKERS SECURED 49 VOTES, which is the constitutionally required two-thirds majority to expel a sitting member. Unfortunately the votes were taken prior to the issuance of Supreme Court writ of prohibition. The expulsion occurred despite a stay order issued by Associate Justice Yussif D. Kaba, which had ordered an immediate halt to all proceedings.
THIS ACTION BY HOUSE OF Representatives had undermined our democratic credential of Liberia, especially at the time Liberia is seated on one of the non-permanent member seat of the United Nations Security Council.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO note that the issue of due process must be followed without favor because it is constitutional requirement that must be upheld by every citizen.
MENTIONING THE FOUR PILLARS of democracy- the Legislature, Executive, Judiciary and the Media, we believe that each pillar must act within its domain but not lose sight of the larger picture. “The strength of a democracy depends upon the strength of each pillar and the way pillars complement each other.
