On Monday, January 15, 2018, the 54th Legislature of the Republic of Liberia elected a new team of leadership following the 10th October 2017 General and Presidential Elections. Dr. Bhofal Chambers, Representative of District #4, Pleebo Sodoken District, Maryland County emerged winner on a white ballot, while Representative Prince K. Moye, District #2, Jorquille District, Bong County was elected Deputy Speaker defeating former Deputy Speaker, Hans Barchue of Grand Bassa County 21 to 42 Votes.
Speaker Chambers was one of the most consistent critics of outgoing President Sirleaf, particularly as it relates to the operations of the rubber and palm oil companies in his district. He was also alarmed at President Sirleaf’s payment of huge lobbying fees to firms in the US in the face of abject poverty amongst the citizens of the Country. Observers are hoping that the same level of activism exhibited by Dr. Chambers against perceived excesses of the Sirleaf’s Administration would be shown during his tenure as Speaker, especially against a backdrop of a tainted image of the 53rd Legislature that was often accused of accepting bribes to pass concession agreements sent to it by the Executive Branch of Government.