Rev: Constitutional mandate for implementing the Wishes of the Governed.
Article 1 of the Liberian Constitution (1986).
Dear Hon. Members of the government elect,
On behalf of the citizens of the Republic of Liberia, the Liberian Advocates for Change through Social Justice and Human Rights Inc. (LACTS), present warm greetings and congratulates you on your victory. As you prepare to take up the responsibilities and challenges of your high office, we look forward to working with you in fostering the implementation of the will of the Liberian people.
As you embark upon your new responsibilities, the objective of this letter is to remind you of the citizens action that demands accountability, transparency and good governance within the confines of the constitution, and the row of LACTS in this regard.
As highlighted in LACTS’ May 16th, 2022 notification letter to all political parties, governance of the Republic of Liberia is no longer business as usual. As provided for in the constitution, citizens of this nation are required to guide the activities of their government for the common good of all our people and country. Therefore, in keeping with this Constitutional mandate, the people shall assemble with their wishes on inauguration day to instruct their government on how they want their country to be governed going forward.
In Article 1 of the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia (1986), “All power is inherent in the people. All free governments are instituted by their authority and for their benefits and they have the right to alter and reform the same when their safety and happiness so require. In order to ensure democratic government which responds to the Wishes of the Governed, the people shall have the right at such period and in such manner as provided for under this Constitution, to cause their public servants to leave office.”
In practice, this simply means that:
a. the government of Liberia is required to respond to our wishes for our benefits, safety and happiness at all times, so as to ensure democracy.
b. as highlighted in Article 6, we the people of the republic of Liberia have the constitutional power, right and responsibility to ensure the social, economic, and political well-being of our country.
c. as highlighted in Article 17, we the people of the Republic of Liberia have the power and right to instruct our government, explaining our wishes and how we want our country to be governed.
It is to this end (this sentiment and conviction) that LACTS was petitioned by the Liberian people to assist in the process. LACTS has worked closely with the people of Liberia in reaching a consensus on their wishes that shall be submitted to their government come January 2024.
On May 16, 2022, LACTS notified all political parties highlighting that the wishes of the Governed would be published two months prior to the October 10th, 2023 election and shall be submitted to the government on inauguration day.
On August 1st, 2023 the will of the people was published in the various newspapers as well as on Today Liberia TV, YouTube, ELBC, Spoon TV. etc. and was followed by a press release at the Capitol Building located on Capitol Hill in Monrovia.
The wishes of the Governed voted upon by the Liberian people for implementation shall include but are not limited to:
- Better Education System including the Constitution, Civic and Voter Education (CVE)
- Productive Agriculture Sector excluding GMOs
- Better Healthcare Delivery System
- Better Roads Connectivity (all major highways in every county)
- Better Justice System
- Fair Concession Agreements, (revisit all active concession agreements. Renegotiate or cancel unfair agreements in consultation with the Liberian people regarding new terms and conditions of all agreements)
- Zero tolerance for illicit drug trafficking, production, distribution, and use in Liberia
As part of our advocacy, LACTS shall request the Ministry of Education, Health, Justice, Agriculture, Public Works, NEC, etc. to catalog all that is needed to facilitate an effective performance of their duties so as to satisfy the will of the people. The information presented will be submitted to the newly elected government for the necessary budgetary allocation in line with the wishes and aspirations of the Liberian people who will have instituted a new administration after the October 10, 2023 election for their good and well being. The Liberian people shall instruct and demand their government to fully fund these institutions. This citizens action is real change.
As we await your inauguration in January 2024, please take notice that as highlighted in Article 17, the people shall assemble to instruct their government on how they want their country to be governed by submitting their wishes.
The Liberian Advocates for Change Through Social Justice and Human Rights is a Liberian civil society organization established in 2020 to provide the best quality and highest standard advocacy services to the Liberian people in general. This primary objective will be achieved consistently by raising public awareness about the cause and possible solutions to issues that seem to tear the social fabric of our communities and municipalities. The most important issue is to recognize that popular participation in the government is a fundamental right of all citizens, as stipulated by Article 1, and Article 5(a) of the Liberian Constitution; that is paramount to nation building and national unification.
This initiative is based on the constitution of the Republic of Liberia, with the aims to promote national unification and empower all citizens to participate in the governance of the country.
Hon. Members of government, we extend our heart felt appreciation to you in advance as we anticipate your timely implementation of the will of the people. Please accept our compliments of the highest esteem.
Should you have further inquiries or for a faster and easier correspondence, kindly email us at [email protected] and [email protected], or call us at 088-696-6075/+1(651)-233-9524.
Sincerely Yours,
![](https://frontpageafricaonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/signature.png)
Emmanuel B. Tarnue
Chief Executive Officer
Liberian Advocates for Change Through Social Justice and Human Rights Inc. LACTS