A based United States Liberian Non-Governmental Organization (NG), the Emancipation Movement of Liberia, Inc. (EMOL) says the healthier way to resolve the Constitutional issue of the dual citizenship debate for natural born Liberians, is making it into an issue of a ballot initiative.
Making it into a ballot initiative will bring the debate to the center stage that will allow those opposing it to explain its harmfulness to the Liberian people and for those who favor it to explain its benefit to the Liberian people.
One other way is deferring the issue to post elections 2017 due to its toxicity and complexity that requires huge logistical support. The issue required soberness and massive education that will allow the Liberian people learn about its advantages and disadvantages. This is not a new issue.
EMOL is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit registered in the United States and Liberia as a non-partisan peace building advocacy organization accredited by the National Elections Commission (NEC) to monitor the ensuing general and presidential elections and to conduct voter’s education
Certified by the Ministry of Finance as part of the NGO’s data based network of Liberia, EMOL is also a registered member of the Civil Society Organizations (CSO’s) of Liberia
EMOL said no matter what everyone thinks, the dual citizenship debate, in spite of recent Supreme Court Justice’s ruling in the case involving opposition politician Dr. Togba-nah Tipoteh and National Elections Commission (NEC), Cllr. Jerome Korkoya, the issue is still sidelining other key issues, which have direct effects on the daily livelihoods of majority of Liberians.
This means all those vying for various positions in the ensuing general and presidential elections, will be required to give their opinions on the issues.
Making it into ballot initiative will also allow all registered eligible voters to have their voices heard when they cast their ballots on the issue as well.
EMOL said making candidates to talk about real “pocket books” issues, such as learning and empowerment opportunities that will improve the livelihoods of millions of Liberians.
EMOL said pocket books issues should be taking the center stage…asking all those vying for presidency, legislative seats, and all other positions at stake in these elections to tell the Liberian people what is wrong with Liberia or the Liberian governance system that he or she wants to fix
The candidates should tell the Liberians people why does Liberia have such problems of high unemployment, for example and how he or she is going to fix these problems. How are the Liberian people going to internalize these fixes with timeline beginning with the first 100 days in office?
Which issue will the president take on upon inauguration on day one? These are the kinds of debates the Liberian people deserve.
Why one candidate is better than the order. These issues should be debated outside ethnicity and religion. Most importantly the debate in these elections should be about governance in line with article one of the Liberian Constitution, which, defines individuals in government as “servants of the Liberian people” and not as a boss.
EMOL said Liberians at home and abroad are hungry for true legislative champions in all the 73 electoral districts, individuals who are willing to fight for the people they represent.
In a release signed by its Executive Director, Jarwinken Wiah, EMOL said above, the Liberian people are yarning for a “fighting president” who will create a fighting chance for all Liberians for a better livelihoods. How will every Liberian child get opportunity for better livelihoods?
