Vice President, Jeremiah Kpan Koung has underscored the need for leaders to be accountable to their people.
Speaking Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at a Summit for Democracy and Political Accountability, Vice President Koung said that together with political accountability, democracy presents the surest pathway to address a nation’s socio-economic challenges. The summit is organized by Naymote Partners for Democratic Development.
“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 stated.
He pointed out that any democracy without accountability of its leadership is almost certain to fail.
The vice president said 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.
Koung stated that leaders under “our form of Government are servants of the People and therefore answerable to the People. It follows that we as Leaders, whether elected or non-elected public officials have an obligation to explain our decisions and actions to the citizens- the People. This obligation of being answerable as Leaders for our decisions, policy formulation, implementation, reform, and service delivery demonstrate accountability in a functional democracy.”
As a nation, he said Liberia’s democracy continues to strengthen, evidenced by its recent history of two successive democratic transitions of power. Koung: “We have learned to be tolerant, peaceful, and embrace dialogue as major doctrines of a mature 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. 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.”
The vice president indicated that Liberia’s democracy is steadily improving, stressing the need for an emergence of a new generation, with an approach of building strong democratic institutions.
“We can never achieve accountability and democracy unless institutions are placed above individuals; this is the challenge that confronts our democracy, and we must change the narrative without any form of doubt!” He stressed.
Koung: “Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, it is at forums like these that some of our young people 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.”
According to him, leaders have the rare privilege to make decisions with consequences for the common good of the “people; however, we still struggle to demonstrate a sense of accountability to the people we lead. Let it be known that the burdens, dreams, and aspirations of the people we carry on our shoulders demand the ultimate sacrifice of accountability for our stewardship.”
He pointed out that Liberia’s democracy must not only be celebrated because of peaceful elections and transition of power but must 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.”
“For me, accountability is a central piece of good governance, necessary for checks and balances over the management of public resources.
It is accountability that strengthens democracy and fights against the abuse of political power, corruption, and upholding 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 judgment on those of us entrusted with public responsibilities,” he stressed.
Continuing, he said “I believe that many of us, politicians have not formed the reputation which makes our political landscape attractive. As a result of the disappointing performances of us politicians for many years, the public perception concludes that “Politics is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get rich. Our people are tired with Business as Usual; we must restore confidence, ignite hope, and change this perception.”
He said it is now a matter of urgency that leaders sanitize their politics so that they understand that public service is not for the accumulation of illegal wealth but a call to serve the people.
“Our 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,” he among other things said.
