|
Headlines
|
|
Written by Our Senior Staff
|
|
Thursday, 23 August 2012 06:04 |
The Foundation for International Dignity (FIND) has cautioned the National Legislature especially the Liberian Senate, not to concur with the House of Representatives on the Bill that seeks budgetary allotment for political parties and institutions in Liberia.
“We believe this Bill is not in the interest of the Liberian people, many of whom are going through intense hardship and poverty,” FIND noted in a release issued yesterday in Monrovia.
The rights group said it backs calls by Liberians across the country against the 53rd National Legislature expected determination to legitimize budgetary allotment for political parties and institutions in the country, as the Bill is currently being passed and seeking concurrence for approval by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
According to FIND, if the Upper House concurs with the Lower House on the Bill and President Sirleaf subsequently signs it into law, Liberia’s economic development would be undermined while a few politicians would be enriched at the detriment of the greater population that hardly afford a daily meal.
FIND reminded the Legislators to understand that they were elected by the people to represent them at the highest decision-making level.
The rights group said the legislators are the direct employees of the people; hence they are obligated to initiate broad-based consultations on critical issues which tend to affect the country and its economy.
FIND claimed that the political parties’ sustainability bill is indeed sinister and does not in any way represent the aspiration of the Liberian people as such; it should be thrown out of the Legislature.
The organization said the legislators need to prioritize legislations on crucial issues that are affecting the lives of ordinary Liberians; especially in the areas of poverty reduction, restoration of water and electricity supplies throughout the country, passage of the public code of conduct, implementing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission report, among others.
FIND noted that in order to consider providing support to political parties, political institutions must demonstrate to the Liberian people that they are service-oriented, de-individualized, accountable and transparent in their actions and operations, as well as comply with the electoral law by publishing their financial statements.
Meanwhile, FIND has hailed President Sirleaf for suspending dozens of public officials for not declaring their assets to the Liberia Anti- Corruption Commission. It hopes well-meaning Liberians would welcome the President’s move.
However, FIND has called on the President to go beyond suspending public officials, ensuring that those indicted in previous and current audit reports are prosecuted without fear or favor, aimed at demonstrating a commitment in fighting corruption in post-conflict Liberia.
|
