Published: November 6, 2024
Monrovia — The Supreme Court has declined to halt an order from the Office of the Ombudsman requiring government officials who hold positions in political parties to resign from one of their roles, upholding the enforcement of Liberia’s Code of Conduct despite challenges from the Unity Party, Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR), and other political groups.
The political parties had petitioned the court, arguing that certain provisions of the Code of Conduct need further clarification before enforcement. The Ombudsman’s order mandates that officials with dual roles in government and political parties must relinquish one to avoid potential conflicts of interest.
Associate Justice Yormie Gbeisay, presiding as the Justice in Chambers, reviewed the petition but declined to interfere with the Ombudsman’s directive. Justice Gbeisay clarified that the court’s role is not to block enforcement actions but to address the petitioners’ request for a clearer interpretation of the Code.
With the Ombudsman’s directive now fully in effect, government officials who also hold political positions must decide which role to retain to comply with the Code of Conduct. The ruling underscores an ongoing debate over the separation of public service and political affiliations, as well as the role of the Ombudsman in maintaining government impartiality.
Following the ruling, Cllr. Findley Karnga, Chairperson of the Office of the Ombudsman, reaffirmed the office’s commitment to enforcing the Code of Conduct, stating that the directive would be upheld in line with the court’s decision.
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