LIBERIANS ARE POISED to be short-changed once more ahead 2017 and what is inarguably the most crucial elections in the country’s history.
Why Debate is a Necessary Precondition for the holding of Presidential Elections in 2017
AFTER A BRUTAL CIVIL war and flight into exile of hundreds of Liberians which created a vacuum and brain-drain for Africa’s oldest republic, governing structures have been maimed by leaders lacking heart for a nation in need of massive soul-searching; leaders lacking the will to lead and the passion to stand up and deliver to those languishing at the bottom of the economic ladder and the scores of others still unsure what to make of lofty promises a new breed of contenders for the highest office in the land are about to unleash.
SADLY, AS IN PREVIOUS elections, Liberians have been unable to hear from those eyeing political offices, what their stances are on key issues like the economy, food security, development and what Liberians can expect from them if elected.
WHAT LIBERIANS HAVE been sold on, are lofty promises that are often broken and political rhetoric absent of explanation as to how those looking to lead will make life better for Liberians and Liberia.
IT DOES NOT TAKE a rocket scientist to figure out that whoever assumes power in January 2018 will be inheriting a herculean burden that could take years to fix.
THE MOST RECENT report from the Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is clear that the economy is in a freefall and still reeling after the deadly Ebola virus outbreak in 2014.
SAID THE BOARD: “The Ebola epidemic and the fall in commodity prices revealed the vulnerabilities of Liberia’s economy. After barely positive growth in 2014, GDP was flat in 2015 mainly due to the decline in activity in the iron ore and rubber sectors. The current account deficit deteriorated, reflecting weaker exports receipts and the Ebola-related surge in imports.”
THE WORLD BANK in an overview of Liberia last month reported that the economy deteriorated further in 2015, with GDP growth of 0.3%, further down from 0.7% in 2014. “The country is struggling to recover from the twin shocks of the Ebola crisis and the sharp decline in commodity prices, which led to business closures, including of mines and consequent job losses and reduced fiscal revenues. Substantial downside risks remain, which challenge the government’s recovery efforts and plans to diversify the economy to mitigate the impact of such future shocks.”
IN THE WAKE of much of what is unfolding, Liberians have been blindfolded against the backdrop of a tidal wave of uncertainty regarding those looking to lead them. How will they fix the economy? What are their plans for food security, post-UNMIL security, gay rights, women’s rights and burning issues at the heart of the matter for Liberians.
THIS IS WHY IT is necessary for stakeholders and Liberia’s international partners to encourage the government, the National elections and those advocating a transparent electoral process, to ensure that those eyeing the presidency debate the issues prior to voters heading to the polls.
AFRICA IS A RATHER strange continent, where democracy is still taking roots. Only a select few nations have had the luxury of having presidential debates.
IN KENYA, 2013, then Presidential candidate, Uhuru Kenyatta and his running-mate William Ruto, who were accused of fuelling the violence that broke out after the last election in 2007 were given the chance through a presidential debate to respond and answer to their roles in the violent outburst.
DURING THE DEBATE, Mr Kenyatta, was forced to fend off claims of impunity, as he was put on the spot by the moderators and his presidential challengers, who demanded to know why he would not pull out of the race to concentrate on the case at The Hague.
IN FEBRUARY, Presidential candidates in the Ugandan elections – including President Yoweri Museveni took part in a rare presidential debate described as a small victory for democracy.
IN NEXT DOOR GHANA, civil society organisations and some government agencies are gearing up to organise debates and dialogue sessions for presidential and parliamentary aspirants.
THE INSTITUTE OF ECONOMIC AFFAIRS IN Ghana has been instrumental in organizing presidential debates in Ghana since 2000.
LIBERIA CAN DO itself a lot of good by following the footsteps of emerging democracies and doing all it can to ensure that those eyeing the presidency be given a chance and the platform to face the drumbeats of their constituents.
IT IS THESE DEBATES that will define Liberia’s democratic progress and political maturity.
IT IS OUR HOPE that those civil society and other media institutions begin the advocacy to press for debates ahead of the 2017 elections.
IT IS UNFAIR to Liberia and voters to allow candidates float through the motions of presidential campaigns without having them face key questions at the heart of the lives of Liberians.
LIBERIANS DESERVE an opportunity to hear from those eyeing the presidency as we embark on the 2017 elections. This is necessary for our post-war democratic development and a gauging point for our political maturity.