Africa-Press – Liberia. The US Ambassador to Liberia, Michael McCarthy, did not mince his words when he said Liberia’s democracy is not for Americans and, therefore, Liberians should jealously protect it.
The US envoy, at a ceremony marking the Elections and Democracy Activity Poll Workers Essay Contest Awards Ceremony, called on Liberians to continuously strive for a more just society, particularly so by understanding that a key component of a just society is “one where elections are perceived as free and fair.”
“This country is in your hands. This is your democracy, not ours. You alone have the power to sustain and nurture your democracy for generations to come,” he noted.
“This is a kind of event where we should do more. We should celebrate democracy. We should do that more often. I am pleased to participate in today’s ceremony honoring Liberia’s poll watchers; what an amazing group of people we have in this hall today,” McCarthy said. “I am deeply, deeply impressed by your commitment to Liberia’s democratic process. Through your essays, you elevated not only the hardships of administering elections but also the essential services you provide to the citizens of Liberia.”
The awards ceremony, where McCarthy spoke, featured Maroline Nohn Dangan, Othello B. Seekie, and Michael T. Yennego, three young individuals from Nimba, Grand Bassa, and Montserrado Counties respectively as winners of the Poll Workers Essay Contest conducted by Democracy International in collaboration with the National Elections Commission (NEC) and USAID.
The US Ambassador’s remarks come barely a year ahead of Liberia’s legislative and presidential elections in October 2023. He added that the US government remains committed to supporting USAID as it strives to support and promote democracy anywhere in the world, including Liberia.
“The project seeks to increase the representation of marginalized groups including women and youth in the electoral process. It seeks to improve the civic knowledge of the public and it seeks to assist the National Elections Commission in its technical development. Your jobs place you at the front of Liberia’s democratic development. The efforts of everyone in this room and beyond, promote a more open and transparent election process for Liberia,” he said.
He acknowledged the challenges election workers go through in Liberia and hope that the recognition of the three poll workers symbolizes Liberia’s future in which young people are leading the way to make sure every vote counts.
“The days were challenging and your commitment to seeing free and fair elections is inspiring, most importantly your help to groups that have traditionally had difficulty getting into the polling sites such as women, the elderly, and the vulnerable has enormously impacted the diversity of the voting public. You all faced considerable hardships; however, as expressed in your essays, the rewards were immeasurable.”
“One essay in particular and I believe it was from one of you in here says, ‘As a social advocate and an election worker, I envisage a prosperous and great future in my country, Liberia,” he said. “A future where citizens will be fully educated about their fundamental rights and young people will respect the laws of the land. That’s a pretty important point. You should be proud of your winning essay. It reflects the commitment to supporting a more democratic and open society for all Liberians.”
He thanked USAID for supporting Democracy International as it collaborated with NEC to identify and recognize hard-working elections poll workers.
In remarks, the NEC Chairperson Davidetta Browne Lansanah has disclosed that the electoral body takes note of the many sacrifices of election workers since “they work for meager amounts under difficult circumstances.”
“Poll workers do what they do for the love of their country. Before, during, and after any election, the Commission has recognized the efforts of poll workers, the lot of whom we cannot do without,” Lansanah said.
She expressed gratitude that, for the first time in the history of Liberia, poll workers are being recognized and appreciated for the sacrifices they make during elections.
“You run elections and we thank you; we always do that. But today, for the very first time ever, very important contributions made by our poll workers to the preservation of our democracy are being elevated to the prominence it deserves. The poll workers are the foot soldiers and basic bedrock of our election process who labor under very difficult climatic conditions and challenging physical environments.”
Meanwhile, the Chief of Party for Democracy International noted that the project they managed required an idea and the idea came through listening.
“But the opportunity to listen required the National Elections Commission and USAID to build a relationship of mutual trust and respect to discuss challenges openly and honestly. So we also have trust, openness, and honesty,” Stephanie Lynn said.
She added that in Democracy International’s relationship with the NEC, her office has a profound appreciation for the willingness of the NEC to consider new ideas.
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