IPNews-Monrovia: Ahead of general and Presidential election slated for October 2023, the International Justice Group, (IJG), is calling on the National Election Commission (NEC), major stakeholders and political parties to initiate dialogues towards electoral reform which must be had before the next major electoral cycle in Liberia.
The IJG stated in a release that from experience, the issues of campaign and political funding, constituency engagements by officials elected to represent the people, strengthening the conflict investigation and dispute resolution mechanisms, constitution of the Board of Commissioners, party loyalty of elected legislative officials, trucking of voters from one constituency to another, enhanced transparency during elections etc.
The release also noted that the reform will be crucial to addressing outstanding issues that remain challenging to strengthening our democratic process.
Legislative Agenda for the incoming Legislature.
IJG also warns the Legislators as they convenes for 2021, national agenda, against business as usual and to brace themselves for much more progressive actions that will advance their law-making and oversight functions more vigorously to keep a ‘rogue president in check’, increase engagements with their constituencies including amending their rules to make constituency engagements through meetings with their people before voting on any important matters place before them, especially legislations and concessions granting.
“We suggest the Legislature to prioritize the following:
1. Audit of the three (3) branches of government, which have not happened in over 15 years.
2. Streamline the budgetary process to enhance reporting and accountability to stymied corruption beginning with insisting on a BUGJECT PERFORMANCE REPORT be presented by the Executive Branch represented by the President in keeping with the law, which has not been forthcoming from this government.
3. Electoral Reforms
4. Full implementation of all the Recommendations of the TRC Report, especially acting without delay to establish the War & Economic Crimes Court (WECC). The IJG is willing to assist in this and other measures.
5. Compensation to Justice Kabineh J’aneh and Former 1st Lady Mrs. Nancy B Doe.”
The IJG further stated that it takes with disdain current waves of election violence intended to undermine Liberia’s developing Democracy.
” We observe with disdain and unreservedly condemn, denounce the level of violence and existential threat to the process posed by unpatriotic and undemocratic elements, mostly perceived to be elements of the Government of President George Weah and his ruling Congress for Democratic Change Political Party.”
“The emergence and disruptive behavior of a traditional or cultural authority in the electoral process in Gbarpolu County elections is not only reprehensible but its is so distasteful as to warrant a thorough investigation by the Elections Commission with assistance from the Ministries of Justice and Internal Affairs, to bring the perpetrators of violence and election related offences and crimes to justice as was also reported in Nimba County.”
“Congratulations, newly elected Senators” IJG stated.
The IJG furthermore congratulates all newly elected senators, as product of the people’s choice and challenge them to commit themselves to the people’s business ahead of personal or partisan interest as they rise to the portfolio of been representatives of the people.
“They have been upgraded to the enviable status of employees of the people. They should remember that they are not lords of the people but rather servants of the people, bound by the laws and constitution of the Republic of Liberia.”
“Dillon’s Campaign – We reserve special recognition for the Dillon’s Campaign for its groundbreaking campaign which mobilized and capitalized on grassroot supporters in a revolutionary way never seen in the history of Liberian political campaigning. His campaign visited and interacted with nearly all districts and was transparent (we know where his source of funding came from) and he accounted to his constituencies, including Liberians in the Diaspora.”
” This underscores the valuable role of the Liberian Diaspora in the future progressive development of our country.
Furthermore, it highlights the weaknesses of the Elections Commission in holding political parties, electoral candidates, including presidential candidates, to account for the sources of political funding for program, operation and administration, and campaign financing as the election laws of Liberia clearly provides.” IJG release concludes.
