The development of this Legislative Engagement Guide (LEG) is inspired by Naymote Partners
for Democratic Development decade-long advocacy to promote democratic accountability and
transparency in Liberia’s governance processes as well as increasing legislators’ responsiveness
to the needs and aspirations of the people who elected them. The guide is keen on practical
experiences, best practices and strategies that have proven to be successful and effective during
legislative advocacies and civic engagements.
The primary objective of this guide is to promote the culture of legislative openness and
responsiveness in Liberia. Additionally, the guide endeavors to promote transparency in public
policy formulation and ensure engagement of civil society organizations and citizens in the
legislative process in Liberia.
This guide is a practical tool that can be used to engage the Liberian Legislature as the fulcrum of
Liberia’s democracy because of its constitutional responsibilities to enact laws, represent citizens’
interests and oversee executive policy implementation and performance. It is also intended to
improve young people’s skills to engage in constructive legislative advocacy and monitoring from
an informed perspective, being knowledgeable of its structures and functions as well as strategies
to get the Legislature working in the interest of the people.
This handbook provides an in-depth analysis of legislative advocacy highlighting the steps and
tools to be used when advocating for the passage of a bill/legislation or to influence a legislative
action. Moreover, this handbook also comes in handy when engaging lawmakers to deliver on their
campaign promises after being elected which they rarely do, especially in African nations of which
Liberia is no exception.
It is my ardent hope that development partners as well as ordinary Liberian citizens, especially
the youth, women and other marginalized groups will use the information contained herein and
advocate for a people-centered governance process in Liberia by fostering legislative openness,
transparency, accessibility, accountability, and responsiveness.
