As democracy is defined, government for the people, by the people and
of the people; it is incumbent upon every Liberian that has reached the
voting age to turn out on February 1 through March 7 across the 15
political sub-divisions of this country to register and obtain their
voters’ cards.
The National Elections Commission has said it is targeting about 2.5
million register voters out of the approximately 4million population in
Liberia for the upcoming 2017 Representatives and Presidential
elections.
As the meaning of democracy clearly depicts, government of the
people, for the people and by the people, this definition can only be
realized when the adult citizens take advantage of the electoral process
like this one to make the necessary changes of elected officials under
article one of the Liberian constitution which states that: “All power
is inherent in the people. All free government are instituted by their
authority and for their benefit and they have the right to alter and
reform the same when their safety and happiness so require”.
But it appears that this right and great opportunity that the
constitution gives the Liberian people, isn’t being utilized as many are
complaining that they will not vote in these elections on grounds that
Liberian politicians are not sincere to themselves and the Liberian
people as it relates to the promises they make.
According to a random survey or opinion poll conducted by this paper
with a cross section of the Liberians, many including educated and
uneducated; clearly said they will not be voting in the ensuing
elections needless to talk about turning out in their number to register
on February 1 to March 7, 2017.
With this mind set on the part of many Liberians particularly young
people that make of 60% of the country’s demography, the National
Elections Commission including politicians and civil society
organizations need to do more civic voters’ education and awareness to
those voting population particularly those in the leeward counties.
Meanwhile, here are few benefits or opportunities that one gets when
he or she contributes meaningfully to his or her country’s democracy:
You stand right on the side of history, you stand to benefit from the
right decision you make through the provision of basic social services
and the voting ID Card that you obtained can be used as citizens’ ID
Cards as well as for cross border movement.
FELLOW CITIZENS, as it is often said ‘A hint to a wise is quite
sufficient’, so let’s please turn out in our numbers on the voters’
registration days in Liberia to exercise our democratic franchise as
clearly spelt out in article 1 of the Liberian Constitution.
