By Naneka A. Hoffman
United Youths for Peace, Education, Transparency and Development in Liberia (UYPETDL) is imploring the incoming administration to ensure that no population is left behind, which it says should be a top priority of President-elect, Joseph Boakai.
Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, December 19, in Monrovia, Executive Timothy Kpeh urged the incoming Boakai administration to commit to implementing a comprehensive social protection plan for all, including robust training program and quality jobs for young people.
He says such exercises would address major sectors, including WASH, education, health, agriculture and governance.
According to Kpeh, Mr. Boakai must see this as a challenge to utilize his victory to unite Liberia, keep his campaign pledges, and show mercy to his opponents.
“We further call on the Unity Party to make concerted efforts to fulfill the promises it made to the country’s voters during the campaign and to provide forgiveness to those who may have acted against them.”
He said the UP should remember that all Liberians share in its achievement, it should not be all about itself.
At the same the efforts of the Liberian people should be acknowledged, including the international community for the vital roles they played in preserving the country’s peace and advancing democracy.
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He adds that various institutions have been instrumental in fostering an atmosphere that supports free and fair elections, including the United Nations (UN), the United States, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the European Union (EU), and the African Union (AU), noting that their steadfast backing and dedication to Liberia’s democratic process have been crucial in guaranteeing an orderly handover of power.
“We are delighted to congratulate George Manneh Weah, President of Liberia for keeping his promise to the people of this country and the rest of the world to hold free, fair, transparent, and credible elections.”
He also lauds President Weah for not only doing this but also bravely accepting defeat by extending congratulations to the victor, Ambassador Joseph Nyumah Boakai, before the National Elections Commission announced the final results.
However, he cautions President-elect, Boakai to guarantee genuine accountability and transparency in government by instituting a vigorous campaign against corruption, which according to him, is the most crucial instrument required to repair the wounds and promote true peace and reconciliation.
He notes that one crucial tool for accountability is the law requiring public officials to declare their assets, incomes, and liabilities, stressing “It must be strictly adhered to. Before taking office, newly appointed officials are required to disclose their assets, income, and liabilities. In a similar vein, persons quitting their jobs must file their exit reports. To obtain the intended results, the review, validation, and other related procedures must be thorough, reliable, timely, and sincere.” Editing by Jonathan Browne
