The Importance of Violence-free Elections

In other communities, violence has been viewed as a necessary tool in advocacy and the development of a democratic society in general. For example, the Cattle Rebellion of 1740, the Nat Turner Rebellion of 1831 and the Denmark Vesey Rebellion of 1822 are a series of violent (or planned violent) uprisings that Black Slaves in America led against their White Masters in their struggle for freedom. These acts of violence resulted in the death of both Black and White people in America. Violence in these cases did not yield the immediate results planned by black slaves. However, they paved the way for the abolition of slavery, especially in America. Another clear and perhaps better example of the rare form of violence which is to the good of a nation can be found in the struggle of the South African people against the system of Apartheid. The Black people, who made up by far the greater percentage of the population, lived under the Apartheid regime in South Africa (SA). This regime came to an end through a combination of International pressure and civil unrest spearheaded by the African National Congress (ANC). The violence (generally sabotage of key points of infrastructure) resulted in the drawing in of global attention to the disparity and inequality prevalent in SA society.

While other individuals perceive violence as a necessary tool in society, especially in electoral processes, I believe that it is more detrimental in that it causes chaos for a nation. In this light, the necessity and importance of violence-free elections is absolute, but only, I propose, when the necessary mechanisms are in place for truly fair and democratic elections. However, the securing of lives and properties, the maintenance of international respect and dignity and the continued legacy of peace and stability are some reasons that highlight the importance of violence-free elections in Liberia. Without maintaining a strong desire in our country for fair and democratic elections, our country will forever struggle to emerge from the shadow cast by our brutal and terrible civil war.

First of all, the securing of lives and properties strongly supports the importance of violence-free elections. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights provides in Article 3 that “Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of the person.” Also, it is the economic right of every individual to own property. But in Liberia, we went through 14 years of civil crisis that led to the violation of human rights by destroying many lives and depriving people of their properties. Based on this, if violence-free elections should aid in sustaining democracy and peace in Liberia, it is necessary to create awareness amongst citizens on the devastating nature of violent elections, thus drawing their attentions to the benefits of violence-free elections.

Secondly, the maintenance of international respect and dignity is another reason that buttresses the importance of violence free elections. For instance, Liberia lost in international respect and dignity when she conducted the most fraudulent world elections in 1927. That is the number of voters were more than the total number of registered voters in the country. Therefore, if Liberians prioritize violence free elections, it is also necessary to put mechanisms in place for ensuring truly fair and democratic elections. By this means, Liberia will promote the maintenance of international respect and dignity.

In addition, the continued presence of peace and stability is a paramount reason that upholds the importance of violence free elections. It is often said that “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” Meaning, for every violent act carried on in the electoral processes of a nation, there will inevitably be a build-up of scar tissue; pain and loss upon the psyche of our County. Alongside this, no investor wants to pump money into a war zone; so, if Liberia maintains a peaceful and stable society, it will encourage greater numbers of international investments that will contribute to development in our country.

To conclude, elections in nature do not guarantee peace and stability in any nation. So, as Liberians gear toward another electoral era, it is salient to embark on violence free elections for the securing of lives and properties, maintenance of international respect and dignity and the sustenance of peace and stability.   

The Hazards of Riding on Motorcycle in Liberia

After the civil crisis in Liberia, many youths became vulnerable; the lives of young people became boring and crime rates started to increase in the country. After a while, the livelihoods of youths started to improve and crime rates started to decline gradually, when motorcycles were introduced into Liberian society. I believe that, the objective of introducing motorcycle in Liberia is to create income for war-affected youths as well as making transportation easier for post-war Liberians. Currently, motorcycle riding in Liberia is a business that serves as a major source of income for many youths. However, some motorcyclists (numbers on the rise) have now altered the way in which I think of this industry within our society by involving themselves with negative activities that are often devastating.

While I am still a great lover of motorcycle riding in Liberia, my friends have stopped asking me if I want to ride on a motorcycle. However, the perpetuation of violence, the intake of illicit substances, the practice of excessive speed, the misuse of various traffic lights, the refusal of helmet usage and the act of dishonesty practiced by some motorcyclists are reasons for which I rather walk than ride on a motorcycle.

It is not my intention to conclude that, the attitudes revealed by motorcyclists in Liberia show them to be bad people; what I do intend is to draw attention to the fact that the majority of motorcyclists in Liberia are engaged in negatives activities.

The use of violence amongst motorcyclists is a great issue affecting Liberian society. Between the years 2009 and 2010, motorcyclists in Gbarnga City and other parts of Bong County led a rebellion against the police force in the city. This violence resulted in the burning of the Ganta Parking Police Station and even the burning of the Liberian Flag. More recently, motorcyclists in Monrovia burned a commercial bus because one of their friends was involved in an accident with that particular vehicle which resulted in his death. Based on the negative reaction to the situation by other motorcyclists, the Liberian government embarked on a policy that prohibits motorcyclists riding on major streets in Monrovia. I do not intend to bore you with full details of these instances, but rather, to provide evidence that supports my opinion that the most clearly visible, negative aspect of some Liberian motorcyclists is violence.

Alongside this, some motorcyclists are involved in the intake of illicit substances (drugs and alcohol); the unpleasant smells of marijuana, cane-juice, palm-wine and other intoxicating substances are the daily perfumes of some motorcyclists. Like me, other passengers riding on motorcycles feel very uncomfortable with these unpleasant smells.

Another discouraging attitude of motorcyclists is excessive speed. On highways, in cities, school zones and other places, there are specific speed limits. However, motorcyclists often ignore specific speed limits and embark on excessive speed without taking into consideration the type of area(s) involved. The most troublesome results of this problem are horrible accidents that often yield the deaths of motorcyclists and their passengers.

The misuse of various traffic lights on motorcycles is about a puzzling situation. I expect motorcyclists to be up to date when it relates to the usage of various traffic lights on their motorcycles; every light on a motorcycle has a specific time to be used. For instance, there are lights designed to be used at an intersection/a junction to indicate one’s direction, while others are designed for emergency use only. But, it can be frustrating, puzzling, and even life-threating to see motorcyclists using these lights incorrectly and unnecessarily.

Moreover, the refusal of several motorcyclists to use a helmet is a primitive attitude that does not suit a modern society. The first warning on every motorcycle reads “Always wear a helmet.” Helmets are very important in motorcycle riding. They help to protect the head, especially in the times of accidents. Even though, police serve to protect lives and properties, but I am often irritated whenever I see compassionate police cautioning anti-helmet motorcyclists, who, deserve punishment for their law breaching behavior.

In addition, the act of dishonesty practiced by countless motorcyclists is the most harmful practice in business. I noticed this when I asked some individuals about their opinions regarding the relationship between motorcyclists and their passengers; I received so many discouraging responses. Due to inadequate space and time, I would like to mention one answer that I got from one of the respondents who happens to be a student. According to this individual, he woke up one morning and got ready for school. He had only $ 50.00 Liberian Dollars as his to and fro transportation fare, with nothing left to even buy cold water at recess period. That morning on his way to school, he was unfortunate to come in contact with an unjust motorcyclist who took him on campus. He felt very discouraged in that this unjust guy demanded him to pay $ 40.00 for $ 15.00 Liberian Dollars distance. Business requires reputable individuals; it is a shame to see dishonest people operating in the business world.

In conclusion, this composition does not intend to undermine motorcycle riding in Liberia, but rather to identify problems hindering the operation in the country. It is necessary for relevant stakeholders to design polices that will enhance motorcycle riding in our society. For example, the necessary ministry with the aid of other local counties authorities would design polices that will regulate transportation fare in various parts of the country. While other agencies in collaboration with traffic police would put necessary mechanisms in place to ensuring that traffic motorcyclists are free of intoxicating substances. By this means, Liberia would have a vibrant motorcycle sector that will positively contribute to transportation in the country.

By Peter N. Dolo

The Importance of Youth Participation in Decision-making and Politics

Young people in Liberia are often viewed in a negative light. Many older members of the community believe that youths are only interested in violence and criminal activities. At the same time, other older and visionary community members believe that youths are future leaders. In reality, Liberia has a vibrant and committed youth sector, who, given the right support can pave the way for a brighter future for the country.

In this light, I strongly oppose those negatives perceptions by drawing your attention to the importance of youth participation in decision-making and politics. If democracy should be a government of the people, for the people and by the people, then it should demand the full participation of all citizens in decision-making and politics, regardless of age, sex, religious background, social status etc. Based on this, the maintenance of peace and stability and the development of youth leadership skills are reasons that account for the importance of youth participation in decision-making and politics.

Firstly, it is often said that ‘’Violence is the voice of those who feel unheard.’’ Therefore, Youth participation in politics and decision-making is important in that it helps to maintain peace and stability in a nation. If youths are involved in decision-making processes, they will feel important in society, thus preventing violence by professionally engaging in critical national issues. Article 11 (section 1 and section 2 a&c) of the African Youth Charter declares that “Every young person shall have the right to participate in all circles of society as prescribed by laws. While state parties shell promote active youth participation in parliament and other decision-making bodies and thus ensure equal access to young men and young women in decision-making and in fulfilling civic duties.”

On the other hand, it is important for youth to participate in politics and decision-making because it helps to develop youth leadership capacity for future leadership positions. Many adults seem only interested in getting a good job with the objective of enriching their lives, thus creating vulnerability for youths by excluding them from decision-making and politics. Yet, at the same time, they continually complain that youths are not developed enough to take on current leadership positions. If so, how will they develop? In this light, if youths should be considered as future leaders, then it takes time to provide them with the opportunity to fully participate in current politics and decision-making processes so that they may develop the necessary skills required to become future leaders.

In conclusion, youth participation in decision-making and politics is important in that it helps youths to develop future leadership skills; thus making them to feel important in society and also promoting the maintenance of peace and stability in Liberia. Meanwhile, if elections should be a key for sustaining democracy and peace in Liberia, then it is necessary for government to encourage the full participation of youths in the process of decision-making and politics.

by Peter N. Dolo