By Grace Q. Bryant
In a performance report from January 2018 to January 2022, Naymote Partners for Democratic Development says out of 169 promises made by President George Weah during the 2017 presidential campaign, only 11 were completed in office.
The Executive Director of Naymote, Eddie Jarwolo, in a press conference yesterday in Paynesville, termed that additional 65 promises are ongoing and 93 promises have not started due to limited or lack of available data to access progress made towards implementation.
He stated further that 23 promises were tracked and documented on governance and transparency, added that evidence shows that none of the promises was completed, however, 12 promises are ongoing while 11 have not started due to lack of available information to access action taken.
” This pillar is the key to strengthening good governance and accountability, but it seems to be that the pillar is receiving the least attention so far as evidence shows,” he continued.
He revealed that the government has passes and signed into law two important pieces of legislation, which are the local government Act, 2018 and Land Right Act of 2018, unfortunately, the implementation of both laws had moved in snail pace.
According to him, elections promises made during campaign periods formed the basis for a social contract between the voters and candidates, therefore adding that the candidates promised to perform actions in return for the votes of citizens to always be respected and adhered to.
”The votes that President Weah received placed an obligation on him to deliver on those things that he promised, adding that the political accountability is an essential element in ensuring that politicians are held to account for promises that they make during campaign periods and those they make when elected to office” he intimated.
Director Jarwolo added that to inform the public and the government on status of promises made in speeches and policy documents, stimulates discussions among citizens and stakeholders and influence ongoing accountable for promises made either through policy or verbal commitments.
He also recommended for the Government agencies to cooperate with civil society organizations and make available public information and data needed for research and performance assessments in line with the freedom of information law.
”The President must convene regular development conferences with citizens from all walks of life to assess progress made on the implementation of national development plan and major national policy document meant to advance socio- economic development and democracy,” he added.