By: Emmanuel Toe
Michael Thomas, Representative for Electoral District 4, Montserrado County, and lead sponsor of the Paynesville Community College (PVCC) Bill, has called for calm among constituents following the President’s veto of the legislation.
His office issued a statement today, Sunday, October 19, 2025, assuring citizens that the constitutional process is actively in motion to address the executive rejection.
The proposed college is touted by its proponents as a “monumental investment” in Liberia’s future, expected to create jobs, generate local revenue, and combat illiteracy by providing essential educational opportunities for the youth of Paynesville and beyond.
Constitutional Showdown Looms
According to the release, the leadership of the House of Representatives has seized jurisdiction of the matter and is preparing the necessary steps as mandated by the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia.
Representative Thomas’s office highlighted that the nation’s democratic system provides a clear framework for resolving such disputes between the executive and legislative branches.
Specifically, the statement references Article 35 of the 1986 Constitution, which outlines the procedure for a presidential veto and, crucially, the Legislature’s power to override it.
Veto Override Mechanism
The constitutional path forward for the PVCC Bill now hinges on the Legislature’s ability to muster a supermajority.
”Crucially, the Constitution also empowers the legislature to check an Executive veto,” the release stated.
As per Article 35, if the President returns a vetoed Bill, the Legislature may reconsider it.
The office is banking on this provision: “If upon such consideration, two-thirds of the Members of both Houses pass the Bill it shall become a law.”
This mechanism is designed to ensure that the will of the people, as represented by elected officials, can ultimately prevail, the statement asserts.
