They were democratically elected, but they behave like rebels. All political parties are involved in these felonious and treacherous acts. They ordered and continue to order assaults on journalists, police officers, auditors, citizens, and even their bodyguards and houseboys. 

Speaker Tyler’s Bodyguards flogged Prince Toe . Vice President Boakai’s bodyguards assaulted journalists. National Security Agency’s Fumba Sirleaf ordered the arrest of an auditor without a warrant; President Sirleaf apologized. Government officials continue to assault their fellow officials. Since 2005 general elections, over 1000 violent offenses were reportedly committed by government officials without punishments. Deputy Speaker got away with a felony. Their behaviors are similitude of the absence of any formal system of government in Liberia.

Government of Liberia does not prosecute government officials who violate the laws because birds with the same feathers flock together. The legislator who ordered the flogging of a police officer should have been behind bars the day of the incident, unless he is at large, according to Article 42 of the Liberian Constitution.

It reads, “Members of House of Representatives shall be privileged from arrest while attending, going to or returning from sessions of the Legislature, except for treason, felony or breach of the peace.”

Deputy Speaker Togba Mulbah, by ordering the flogging of a law-enforcing officer, committed felony, and should be arrested, detained, prosecuted and sentenced to prison if found guilty.

Unfortunately, government officials do not press charges against other officials because they too are contemplating a violation of the laws or have violated the laws and got away or enjoyed the impunity privilege. Liberian government only makes arrest if a government official is suspected of plotting to overthrow the government.  Treason charges are filed within 24 hours.

The perpetuation of violence in Liberia by officials of government backed by government, political parties’ members and supporters could be blamed in part on the culture of violence introduced by politicians and endorsed by the people, either by learning process or social and political orientation. The culture of violence endures to this date out of the continual existence of exemption from punishment of government officials who abuse power and exhibit deviant behaviors.

Media and political analysts have been following violent events allegedly perpetrated by members, officials and supporters of Congress for Democratic Congress (CDC).  Die-hard and politically emotionally driven loyalists of the ruling party are relieved each time CDC is allegedly connected to an illegal activity and or a violent occurrence.

After analyzing these events, in accords with their own views, they concluded that CDC could be heading for a political disaster and losing support in the upcoming national elections.

Their analysis and conclusion must be wrong given Liberia’s immediate past political history and experience. The fiercest or most ruthless political party and candidates are likely elected. Prior to the 1997 general elections in which Charles Taylor emerged in a sweeping victory, opposition parties and their supporters held the belief that Charles Taylor would get a political whipping should he submit to election.Their belief stemmed from atrocities Taylor and his NPFL turned NPP were committing against the Liberian people. Unfortunately, they were wrong.

Liberian voters take the opposite view in the generally accepted standard used in making a decision or judgment about electing their leaders. Bad publicity filled the airwaves in 2005 presidential and general elections in connection with Unity Party’s standard-bearer, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf for her role as one of the key persons responsible for the 14-year-old civil war. In their views, Ellen Sirleaf did not meet the political moral standard to lead Liberia.

Again, they held an incorrect opinion about criteria used by Liberians in electing their leaders. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who, according to their judgment, epitomizes inhumanity, convincingly flogged all purported well-meaning presidential candidates in 2005 presidential election.

Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), in addition to its standard-bearer’s lack of higher education and political experience, also was strongly castigated for its affiliation with former combatants. In their view, CDC was nothing but a bunch of hooligans who were used to commit atrocities against their own people. For this reason, CDC did not meet political moral standards to lead the country, according to their final analysis.

Again, they were wrong as CDC put up a fierce political fight and turned out as an awe-inspiring political institution  that was barely defeated by the Unity Party (UP) in 2005.

In the 2005 legislative elections, well-mannered, humane, and non-violent offenders were defeated by warlords. The violent pasts of these law breakers and the means associated with their campaign funds automatically qualified them for positions that demand the highest respect and upholding of the laws.