Liberia: Presidents Don’t Sit in Joint Chamber During SONA
—So who sits where during the address?
In accordance with tradition and constitutional norms, the President does not sit in the Joint Chamber of the Legislature during the State of the Nation Address (SONA). This long-standing practice dates back to the founding of the nation.
Article 58 of the Liberian Constitution states that the President shall provide information and recommendations to the Legislature concerning the state of the nation and necessary legislative measures.’
“The President shall, on the fourth working Monday in January of each year, present the administration's legislative program for the ensuing session, and shall once a year report to the Legislature on the state of the Republic. In presenting the economic condition of the Republic, the report shall cover expenditure and income.”
On the fourth working Monday in January each year, the President presents the administration's legislative program and delivers a report on the state of the Republic, covering both financial expenditures and income. During SONA, the three branches of government gather at the Legislature to hear the President's address.
However, apart from the President, only the heads of the other two branches of government and the First and Second Ladies sit on the podium. The Speaker of the House, Rep. Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, occupies the central position on a stand with a gavel, while Vice President Jeremiah Koung sits adjacent but without a stand or gavel. Senate President Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence and Deputy Speaker Thomas Fallah are also seated nearby.
In addition to the leadership of the 55th Legislature and the Vice President, reserved seats are provided for the Chief Justice, Associate Justices, and former Presidents George M. Weah and Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, as well as former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor.
At 3:45 pm, once all the foreign and national guests, including the three branches of government, are seated, the Executive Committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate escort the President to the Joint Chamber. This is marked by the opening of the 2nd Joint Session under the gavel of Speaker Koffa, and the session commences with roll calls and motions.
When the President enters the Joint Chamber, he is announced by the Sergeant-at-Arms and led to the podium to commence his report to the Legislature at 4 pm. After the President's SONA, the Legislature adjourns and proceeds with the President to the rotunda of the Capitol Building, where a reception is held in his honor, along with the Vice President.
According to protocol, individuals such as Rep. Emmanuel Dahn, Chairman of the House's Executive Committee, Senate Pro Tempore Lawrence, Speaker Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, Vice President Koung, and President Boakai may deliver remarks.