LIBERIA’S BUDDING MULTIPARTY democratic culture stands to lose its fertility when political parties are weak and fragile for whatever reason. This is so because political parties are the pilasters – the bulwark – upon which vibrant democracy rests. The parties are the lifeblood of any pluralistic society since they provide platforms by which diversity is fostered and citizens exercise their right and freedom to associate with the political, economic and social thoughts and dogmas of their choice. This holds particular truth for Liberia which, for 133 years, hungered for political pluralism and did invest so much sweat, blood and tears to attain multiparty democracy.
It therefore must concern any well-meaning Liberian when any political party in this country – particularly those that have attracted the affection of a reasonable percentage of the population, and demonstrated potential for alternative political direction – are embroiled in crises, weakened by internal or external aggressions and upheavals. Decades of one-party rule, coupled with the painful memories of tyranny, must be reason why Liberians should worry when multiparty democracy is threatened in the form of weakened, wanning political parties and attacks on political institutions.
FOR THE SAME purpose, it is expected that pro-democracy forces would celebrate when the political marketplace witnesses the rise and re-rise of competitive forces that give the Liberian populace the incentive for all the struggles that made possible multiparty democracy in the country. This is exactly why The Analyst is joining other Liberians in welcoming efforts by thoughtful partisans of the Liberty Party who attempt to heal wounds of divisions and animosities that have rocked it for quite awhile now and to make the party vibrant and meaningful once again on the political landscape.
UNARGUABLY, THE LIBERTY Party is one of few political parties, since the end of the civil crisis in 2003, that have imputed into the country’s nascent democratic culture meaningful value and substance. Though it has not won presidential elections, it has had popular appeal, and a strong voice and traction that have kept ruling regimes in check and inspired a reasonable chunk of the population with confidence in the national democratic process. Those with passion for history would recall when the Liberty Party provided regular critical analyses of national budgets and regime policies, not only raising red flags and alarms for corruption and political excesses, but also providing civic education and consciouses that galvanized civil and political forces to keep pressure on ruling establishments to the right thing.
MORE SO, THE party is credited for wining a number of legislative seats, and that some of its parliamentarians have been amongst the brightest of lawmakers that give our National Legislature an aura of prestige nationally and internationally.
THAT SUCH A political party, which has been on life support for years in the aftermath of self-destruct schisms, is reincarnating from years of near irrelevancy is something to plaud and wish well; for it is a patriotic duty and love for multiparty democracy to do, particularly those who fear for the eventual comeback of one-party system. This is why we welcome the Liberty Party’s peace initiative and encourage those who have initiated it to keep their course, and do so without fear and favor.
OUR PLEA IS That the initiative must be inclusive; it must involve key players from the two major known factions – both the Karngar-Lawrence and Bility factions that have been laying mutual claims to the leadership. Let is not be an attempt by one faction or the other to bully its way over the other for whatever reason. The core slogan of the LP peace initiative must be “no-one-is-left behind; all on the board” and the motive for it must be underpinned and informed by a genuine desire not only to save the legacy of Chief Progenitor Charles Walker Brumskine who has invested so much in this party, but also enable the party contribute to populating the Liberian multiparty democratic landscape with meaningful, impactful parties like itself.
THE DIE IS CAST; the nation is watching; devout partisans, including fallen Charles W. Brumskine are waiting – anxiously and tearfully.
THE ANALYST WISHES you a solid, lasting return!
This really answered my drawback, thank you!