–V.P Howard Taylor Underscores
By: James Lehmer Hiama, Jr.; hiamajames@gmail.com; 0770334857/0888270604
IPNEWS-Monrovia: Speaking at the Mano River Union (MRU) Woman Conference on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 at the Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, outside Monrovia, in commemoration of the 2022 National Kukatornon Peace Festival, the Vice President of Liberia Jewel Howard Taylor, told the gathering that democracy is not about elections but to ensure the needs of the people are met.
She noted “Democracy is not about elections, but putting in place the things that need to be done the right way, as such, everyone has their part to play in keeping the peace that Liberians enjoy today”.
Cross section of MRU women at the program
The Vice President indicated that when the right things are not done, it causes serious crisis, and Liberians do not need crisis at this point in time.
She, however, stressed the need to undertake national population census in time so that elections can be considered free, fair, and transparent.
She cautioned that civil society organizations need to help carry out civic and voter education in order for the 2022 presidential and legislative elections to be civil and for the peace to be kept.
Mrs. Howard noted that as Liberia gears towards the 2023 elections, the National Elections Commission (NEC) must educate citizens and make known to them what their responsibilities are, why they should vote, and how they can vote.
She alarmed that since 2005, the National Elections Commission (NEC) has not been providing the public with civic and voters’ education, as such, she recommends the dissolution of NEC’s Civic Education Department.
