Monrovia – ECOWAS Resident Representative Ambassador Josephine Nkrumah said that Liberia would no longer be considered a post-conflict country but a nation that understands and is committed to its democracy, and working towards sustaining it.

By Jaheim T. Tumu

Amb. Nkrumah addressed political party chairpersons and other representatives who gathered at the Boulevard Palace in Monrovia to honor the 2024 ECOWAS Commission in Liberia post-election dialogue.

The post-election dialogue was attended by over 15 political parties, with one notable absentee, the governing Unity Party. However, the dialogue highlighted the challenges confronted during the 2023 elections, how to mitigate these challenges, and sanitize the space for future elections.

Madam Nkrumah noted that the world has changed its perception of Liberia being a post-conflict nation after former President George Weah demonstrated political maturity by conceding defeat, stating it took ECOWAS to new heights where election matters were settled through peaceful transition.

Said Madam Nkrumah, “I feel very humble to have been a part of the process that has changed the perception of Liberia. And I am very hopeful and confident that following the 2023 elections and the success of these elections, Liberia has also become a beacon of democracy not only in West Africa but indeed in Africa as a whole.”

She, however, said ECOWAS’ intention is to work with the National Election Commission (NEC) and political parties to drive the process and understand the roles of parties involved to find a resolution to problems.

She emphasized that some of the obstacles characterized from the 2023 election were misinformation, disinformation, hate speeches, stressing that Liberians need to sanitize the space against these barriers that create electoral violence and to ensure the legal system is strengthened to amicably address election matters.

“We really must be looking forward from this time on as to what is it that we do to improve the election ecosystem from right now,” she said.

She added, “This opportunity provides us the time to remember and to reflect on what it is that we learned from the electoral process, what was the high point, low point, what is it that we can do better and how can we build upon the gains we have made.”

Speaking on behalf of the political parties, Gabriel Salee, the National Chairperson for the Liberia Restoration Party, lauded ECOWAS for providing the opportunity to ensure dialogue and fostering peace among these institutions.

According to him, the dialogue provided the space to learn and to work for the general good of Liberians who are depending on these political actors to make decisions on their behalf.

Also speaking, NEC director for political affairs, Ignatius Wesseh, said the Commission is currently reviewing some of the instruments of the book for political decision which include the electoral laws.

According to him, the process of elections does not end on the same day as it requires continuous planning. He called on political parties to foster nation-building and adhere to the commitments made during the electoral processes.

“It is not all about election, after elections think about your people and how the Liberian people’s lives can be improved. You don’t have to be in leadership, you don’t have to lead the country before your party can contribute toward nation-building.”

“This is an election circle, after the elections, we try to review the laws, to make amendments, we try to make further energumen and we begin planning for subsequent elections,” he said.

Monrovia – The Resident Representative of the President of the ECOWAS Commission in Liberia, Ambassador Josephine Nkrumah, is calling on media practitioners to resist providing platforms to individuals who, she says, promote hate speech and inciting statements.

Speaking at the outset of a two-day workshop for media practitioners and professionals at the Boulevard Palace Hotel on Monday, Madam Nkrumah emphasized that the media should work to ensure that the voices of all Liberians are heard and adequately represented.

Madam Nkrumah highlighted that misinformation and disinformation pose serious threats to Liberia’s democracy, adding that they have become instruments that can be used to manipulate public opinion, sow discord, and undermine the electoral process. She stated, “The debilitating impact of misinformation and disinformation on elections can be seen in recent elections worldwide, particularly in our region, where lives were lost, properties were destroyed, and the credibility of elections was compromised.”

The Resident Representative of the President of the ECOWAS Commission in Liberia remarked, “We have witnessed four coups resulting from post-election conflicts in the sub-region, and Liberia must stem the tide.”

The 2023 General and Presidential elections will mark the fourth successful electoral process. Madam Nkrumah stated, “The world looks to Liberia to showcase its growing democracy.”

She added, “The ECOWAS Commission sincerely hopes to foster an environment of informed and responsible journalism and reporting, believing that we will all contribute to the empowerment of our citizens and the consolidation of our democratic institutions.”

Liberia recently celebrated 20 years of the Accra Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which ushered in the present democratic dispensation. Madam Nkrumah stressed the need for the Liberian media to do everything to ensure the protection of the peace and tranquility that the country has continued to enjoy since the signing and coming into force of the peace agreement.

Madam Nkrumah emphasized, “The media, as the gatekeepers of information, play a vital role in countering misinformation, mal-information, and disinformation. As practitioners, you have the power to inform and educate the public accurately, to minimize the spread of fake news and hate speech, to hold those in power accountable, and to promote critical thinking by setting the agenda for informed, engaged, and discerning civic discourse.”