By: Austin S. Fallah- A nationalist and fighter for social and economic justice for all of humanity. 

“We will not undress the government of the people, by the people, with the people, and for the people on the outside, but we will not relent in addressing issues of national concerns or speak the truth to the power that is.

As citizens of a democratic society, it is incumbent upon us to hold our elected officials to the highest standards of integrity and efficacy.

This is because these elected officials are not only supposed to represent us but they are expected to embody our collective aspirations and values.

Their actions, policies, and decisions, while administrative and constitutional by nature, are the embodiment of the popular will and the collective decision made by the electorate.

However, there seems to be an ever-growing gap between this ideal and the realities on the ground, especially in our beloved nation, Liberia.

The Boakai-Koung administration, just like any ruling bloc, must remember that power bestowed by the people must always reflect the sentiments and aspirations of the people.

The primary objective of this discourse is not to criticize or condemn but to caution the Boakai-Koung government against any actions, decisions, and policies that may infringe on the democratic tenets of Liberia as a nation and Liberians that have labored hard to foster.

The leadership cannot afford to forget the journey the nation has taken from its un-proficuous past towards a semblance of democratic stability.

It is a journey marked by hardship, sacrifice, and a commitment by Liberians to uphold the principles of democratic governance.

Unconstitutional appointments made by those without the required administrative or constitutional rights are an example of an action that undermines the strength of the semblance of Liberia’s democracy.

Such actions not only dilute the credibility of the government but also subvert the faith and trust bestowed upon it by the citizens.

The appointment of individuals to constitutionally required positions in government must adhere to stipulated procedures and must place competence, merit, and public welfare at the forefront.

Circumventing these procedures, therefore, is against the spirit of democracy, and it undermines the obligations of the government towards the people.

This undermines the fundamental principle of a government of the people, by the people, with the people, and for the people.

The Boakai-Koung administration should always bear in mind that their legitimacy lies in the collective citizenry to which they owe their election.

Any actions that infringe upon values intrinsic to maintaining the semblance of democratic governance threaten not only to erode public trust but may also plunge the nation backward.

In as much as governance involves making hard choices, these decisions must not contradict the collective will of the Liberian people.

The government should maintain a system that listens to the voices of the individuals, ensuring not to suppress or ignore feedback, criticisms, or opinions from those it governs.

This is fundamental in preserving the democratic principles enshrined in our constitution and essential for the continued development and stability of Liberia.

The Boakai-Koung government, in its noble endeavor to lead our nation forward, must actively resist the allure of nepotism, cronyism, and the debasing of constitutional procedures.

It must dedicate its efforts to cultivating an atmosphere of integrity, transparency, and openness to create a thriving ecosystem for democracy.

By doing this, they will not only uphold the mandates prescribed by the electorate but also preserve and enhance the democratic values we hold dear.

Lastly, it is the democratic duty of every Liberian to actively monitor, check, and engage with the happenings in their government.

Active participation in governance is the surest guarantee of curbing misuse or abuse of the constitution. Democracy is not a spectator sport, and it is through our collective efforts that we can preserve our hard-earned democratic space.

The call is not an indictment of the Boakai-Koung government but a humble appeal to them and all future leadership to uphold the sacred trust bestowed upon them by the Liberian people. Likewise, it is a call to fellow citizens to hold our elected figures accountable and ensure that they remain mirror images of our aspirations and values.

Through this concerted effort, Liberia can continue on the path of democratic progression and deter any chance of sliding back into its un-proficuous past.