Africa-Press – Liberia. In our upcoming book: Civics for a New Liberia from Inside and Outside: Traversing Traditions, Faith, Leadership, Democracy and Development in the 21st-century and Beyond:
The issues raised in this article shall be fully discussed from a cross-section of the academic, intellectual, faith, legal, social science, philosophy, journalism, and the world of democracy:
The Legislative branch serves as the heart of a country’s democratic process, tasked with representing the people, creating laws, and ensuring that citizens’ rights are protected.
However, in Liberia, the existence of a lawmaking body does not absolve its members from accountability to the very laws they create.
As reflected in the Liberian Constitution, no one is above the law, and preferential treatment for any individual, including lawmakers, disrupts the fundamental principles of justice and equality.
This essay will argue that the principle of the rule of law must be upheld and reinforced in Liberia, illustrating that all citizens, including lawmakers, are equally subject to the law.
It will also argue that citizens and other branches of government must challenge the unlawful actions of lawmakers, thereby promoting the foundational tenets of democracy, justice, and fairness.
The foundation of the rule of law is rooted in the belief that laws apply equally to everyone, regardless of their status or position.
In Liberia, the notion that no one can undertake a national project, like building roads or bridges, without the consent of the executive branch, serves both as a legal requirement and a necessary check on power.
This stipulation ensures that resources are allocated fairly and transparently, without the undue influence of individual lawmakers who might otherwise exploit their authority to serve personal or political interests.
Lawmakers must recognize that their position grants them a public responsibility, not immunity under the law.
The principle that no individual can act unilaterally without oversight is crucial for maintaining integrity within the government.
The misinterpretation of power by Liberian lawmakers highlights a pervasive culture of entitlement that undermines the rule of law.
Cases of lawmakers acting outside their legal boundaries can be seen throughout the nation, frequently disregarding the processes outlined in the Constitution.
They might issue ultimatums or directives that contradict the laws governing the nation, thereby undermining the authority of the Public Works Ministry and other executive agencies.
This not only erodes public trust in government institutions but also perpetuates a cycle of corruption and impunity.
Officials must recognize that their authority does not extend to suspending legal processes, and engaging in illegal activities should not be tolerated.
To address this challenge, it is essential that Liberia’s citizens actively engage in promoting the rule of law by holding their lawmakers accountable.
The concept of accountability is intrinsic to democracy, helping ensure that those in positions of authority operate within established legal frameworks.
The judiciary plays a vital role in this mechanism, as it serves as a venue for challenging unlawful actions.
Citizens who feel wronged by their representatives must be encouraged to utilize the court system to seek remedies for any abuses of power.
In doing so, they uphold not only their own rights but also the rights of their fellow citizens, thereby reinforcing the importance of the rule of law in society.
Furthermore, lawmakers must be reminded that they are representatives of the people and that their authority is derived from this responsibility.
Legislative power is derived from the electorate, and lawmakers must remain humble in their roles.
They are mandated to serve their constituents, not manipulate their positions for personal gain.
In this context, Liberian citizens must recognize their ability to influence the political landscape through civic engagement, voting, and active participation in public discourse.
Civic awareness fosters an environment where citizens can resist passively accepting decisions made by lawmakers and instead actively question and challenge their actions.
Instead of conflating service to the public with immunity to legal repercussions, the onus is on lawmakers to exemplify accountability and integrity.
Moreover, the police force must be trained to uphold the law impartially, recognizing that lawmakers are subject to the law themselves.
Law enforcement officers must be vigilant in differentiating between lawful functions of governance and unlawful actions that need intervention.
The police must demonstrate independence from political machinations and refrain from arresting citizens based solely on allegations driven by political motives.
Police officers must understand their role as protectors of the law and citizens, maintaining their integrity by refusing to act as political instruments for lawmakers who disregard the law.
In a civilized society, where the rule of law prevails, the courts serve as a bulwark for defending rights and administering justice.
Lawmakers in Liberia are empowered to create legislation that benefits the public, yet they must also remain aware that they can face the consequences of breaking the laws they enact.
If a lawmaker engages in illegal activities, they should be subject to arrest and prosecution, just like any other citizen.
In this case, the judiciary becomes a pivotal institution that helps enforce these principles.
The courts must be impartial and serve as a refuge for citizens who seek redress. Litigating against a lawmaker’s wrongful conduct reiterates the principle that justice is impartial to rank and status, a defining characteristic that must be preserved.
To illustrate this argument, one can examine various democracies around the world where lawmakers have been held accountable for their actions, regardless of their political standing.
In many countries, high-ranking officials have faced trial and conviction for corruption, fraud, or other illegal acts.
This stance sends a resounding message that no one is immune to the law’s reach.
Liberia must adopt a similar zero-tolerance approach toward misconduct from its lawmakers and establish robust legal frameworks that empower citizens and institutions to pursue legal action against violators.
By doing so, the nation underscores the importance of justice and equality, thus eroding any semblance of a culture of impunity.
Historically, Liberia has faced challenges that have tested the resilience of its legal foundations and institutions.
Rebuilding a society that upholds the rule of law is essential for establishing order and equality for all citizens.
Institutions must clarify their roles and responsibilities, emphasizing the importance of adhering to the sanctity of laws and legal procedures.
Lawmakers must undertake the journey of reorientation, ensuring that they effectively understand their limits and recognize the boundaries of their authority.
A shift towards recognizing that the dignity of every citizen depends on the equal application of the law will have a positive influence on Liberia’s political atmosphere.
The rule of law is a fundamental pillar of any democratic society, and Liberia must ensure that all individuals, including lawmakers, are held to the same legal standards.
Upholding the Constitution is not merely a legal obligation; it is a fundamental expression of our humanity and democracy.
As citizens, we are entrusted with the responsibility of holding our representatives accountable, and as lawmakers, there is a duty to process and enact citizens’ demands without overstepping boundaries.
Together, the government and its citizens must work to create an environment that champions justice, equality, and the rule of law.
Only then can Liberia move forward as a nation that honors the rights of its people and rebuilds trust in its institutions.
Source: Liberia news The New Dawn Liberia
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