By Laurina B. Lormia
Naymote Partners for Democratic Development has called on President Joseph Boakai to seize what it describes as a historic opportunity to lead a transparent, citizen-driven reform process aimed at strengthening Liberia’s democratic foundations and restoring public trust in government.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, March 31, 2025, Naymote’s Executive Director, Eddie Jarwolo, emphasized the urgent need for governance reforms that promote accountability, transparency, and citizen participation in decision-making.
Jarwolo stated that Liberia stands at a critical juncture, and President Boakai’s leadership presents a pivotal opportunity to champion a modernized, citizen-centered constitution.
He stressed that engaging civil society organizations, legal experts, and grassroots communities is essential to ensuring an inclusive and transparent reform process.
According to him, Liberia’s constitution must reflect modern democratic standards and provide a stronger legal foundation for justice, accountability, and inclusive governance.
“A deliberate and well-structured review process will not only align Liberia’s governance structures with international best practices but also restore public trust in democratic institutions,” he noted.
Jarwolo underscored that a national dialogue would foster public participation in shaping constitutional amendments that reflect the aspirations of all Liberians.
He urged the government to prioritize this initiative as part of its commitment to democratic governance and national development.
He emphasized that a structured and inclusive constitutional review is critical to ensuring political stability, expanding civic participation, and fortifying the rule of law.
Liberia’s 1986 Constitution, last amended nearly four decades ago under military rule, no longer fully addresses the country’s evolving political, social, and legal realities.
While it replaced the 1847 Independence-era Constitution, it has not undergone the necessary reforms to clarify and strengthen legal provisions that safeguard civil liberties, promote judicial independence, and prevent political manipulation of governance structures.
Meanwhile, he highlighted key areas for urgent constitutional review, including Rule of Law and Judicial Reforms.
He emphasized the need to establish specialized courts such as an electoral court and a corruption court to ensure justice, fair adjudication, and accountability.
Electoral Reforms aim to strengthen the electoral system, enhancing transparency, credibility, and public confidence in elections.
Women’s political participation will be advanced through institutionalized legal measures to promote gender equity in leadership and governance.
Local Governance reforms will facilitate the election of local government officials, promoting decentralization, grassroots participation, and addressing governance and power distribution challenges.
Citizenship Laws will be reviewed to clarify policies on nationality, civic identity, and dual citizenship.
Clarifying government roles and responsibilities will ensure a clear separation of powers among the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches, preventing overreach and promoting balanced governance.
Naymote’s call comes amid growing concerns over corruption, governance inefficiencies, and limited public engagement in national policy formulation. And believes that a well-structured reform initiative, spearheaded by the President, could help address these challenges and set Liberia on a path toward sustainable progress.
