Rédaction Africa Links 24 with New Dawn
Published on 2024-03-17 19:46:26
Democracy is a cherished form of governance that values the voice of every individual. It empowers citizens by placing power in their collective hands and encouraging active participation from all segments of society. In Liberia, this democratic principle is deeply ingrained in the system, alongside the Presidency and the Legislature.
City mayors, as influential figures in Liberia’s administrative landscape, play a crucial role in the development and modernization of cities. However, the current method of their selection through political appointments does not align with democratic ideals. To truly democratize the system, the election of city mayors should be a decision made through the direct participation of the people they serve.
While some may argue that political appointments ensure governance by capable individuals, these appointments often do not reflect the popular will of the citizens. Direct elections would empower Liberian citizens to choose their city mayors, ensuring that those in power are accountable to the people they serve. This process would also serve as a pathway towards city modernization, as mayors chosen by the citizens would have a better understanding of the city’s needs and potential for development.
Advocating for the direct election of city mayors is not just about decentralizing authority, but about empowering citizens to actively participate in governance. It emphasizes that democracy lies in the trust and voice of the populace, who should ultimately shape the nation’s trajectory. By returning to the fundamental tenets of democracy and allowing citizens to elect their city mayors, Liberia can strengthen its democratic foundation and ensure that its leaders are truly representative of the people.
It is time for Liberia to shift power from the political elite to the deserving citizens, allowing them to test potential candidates and uplift the modernization of Liberian cities. This shift towards direct elections for city mayors will not only empower the citizens but also lead to more effective and responsive leadership that is accountable to those it serves. The essence of democracy lies in the participation and trust of the people, and by embracing direct elections for city mayors, Liberia can embed true democratic principles within its administrative structure.
Read the original article on The Newdawn Liberia
