MONROVIA: Vice President Jeremiah K. Koung has disclosed that accountability strengthens democracy and fights against the abuse of political power, corruption, and upholds the rule of law.
“There can be no public trust without accountability; our citizens must have the right to access information, get explanations and pass judgement on those of us entrusted with public responsibilities,” he noted.
He expressed the belief that many Liberian politicians have not formed the reputation which makes Liberia’s political landscape attractive.
“Liberia can never achieve accountability and democracy unless institutions are placed above individuals,” he declared.
He said “this is the challenge which confronts our democracy, and we must change the narrative without any form of doubts.”
Speaking at a Summit for Democratic and Political Accountability, organized by The National Youth Movement for Transparent Elections (NAYMOTE), this week, VP Koung noted that it is at such forums that some of our young people can have an opportunity to interact with their Leaders and share their perspectives on enhancing our democracy and achieving sustainable development.
“These young people represent the energy, lifeblood and future of our nation and we must rise to the occasion to preserve it,’ he said.
VP Koung: “We, as Leaders, have the privilege to make decisions with consequences for the common good of our people; however, we still struggle to demonstrate a sense of accountability to the people we lead.”
“The burdens, dreams, and aspirations of the people we carry on our shoulders demand the ultimate sacrifice of accountability for our stewardship,” he emphasized.
According to him, “Our democracy must not only be celebrated because of peaceful elections and transition of power, but also be based on our collective ability to be accountable to our people and improve their livelihood.”
“This is the essence of true leadership in a modern democracy, and we must embrace this new mindset,” he said.
Vice President Koung stressed that, “accountability is a central piece of good governance, necessary for checks and balances over the management of public resources.”
He emphasized that, it is accountability which strengthens democracy and fights against the abuse of political power, corruption, and upholds the rule of law.
He maintains that “There can be no public trust without accountability; our citizens must have the right to access information, get explanations and pass judgement on those of us entrusted with public responsibilities.”
Koung who is also former Senator of Nimba County expressed the belief that many politicians have not formed the reputation which makes our political landscape attractive.
He noted that “as a result of disappointing performances of us, politicians, for many years,” public perception concludes that “Politics is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get rich”.
VP Koung: “Our people are tired with Business as Usual; We must restore confidence, ignite hope, and change this perception.
“It is now a matter of urgency that we sanitize our politics, so that we, the leaders, understand that public service is not for the accumulation of illegal wealth but a call to serve our people.”
According to Vice President Koung, “Liberian democracy will be stronger when we, as leaders, engender the mindset that governments are formed for the benefit of the People and this must remain our singular driving force behind our public service.”
“As we deliberate on issues of democracy and accountability in the different sessions of this summit, I encourage the frank exchange of ideas and recommendations to develop a strong resolution that can improve our governance framework,” he stated.
He used the occasion to reaffirm the government’s commitment to remain accountable to the people of Liberia, as they strive to strengthen our fledgling democracy.
He stressed that together with political accountability, democracy presents the surest pathway to address a nation’s socio-economic challenges.
“For us to maintain a functional democracy, we must as a people, cultivate the mindset that accountability is one of the key tenets of democracy and that the citizens will always demand answers from those of us who are trusted with the torch of leadership,” he said.
The Liberian Vice President made it clear that “any democracy without accountability of its leadership is almost certain to fail.”
He further stated that the 1986 Liberian Constitution provides that all power is inherent in the People and that the government is instituted by their authority and for their benefit
“Leaders, under our form of government, are servants of the people and therefore answerable to the People,” he emphasized.
He also said it follows that they as leaders, whether elected or non-elected public officials, have an obligation to explain our decisions and actions to the citizens.
He said this obligation of being answerable as leaders for our decisions, policies formulation, implementation, reform, and service delivery demonstrates accountability in a functional democracy.
“As a nation, our democracy continues to be strengthened, evidenced by our recent history of two successive democratic transitions of power,” he stated.
He pointed out that Liberians have learnt to be tolerant, peaceful, and embrace dialogues as major doctrines of matured democracy.
“I do believe that even with our recent success as an emerging democracy, we still have not elevated our discourse to reflect issues above individuals,” he said.
Vice President Kuong indicated that, the political landscape is still bankrupt of policy debates; it is therefore my desire that we will rise above discussions of individuals and proffer ideas.
“While our democracy is steadily improving, there must be an emergence of a new generation, with an approach of building strong democratic institutions,” he said. Written by T.R Dixon.
