By Alexander L. Redd, Th.D.
The upcoming national elections in Liberia, set to take place in October 2023, are a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards democracy. The fact that many people are ready to support their chosen candidates indicates the increasing political awareness and involvement among the Liberians. However, there is a hidden issue that needs to be addressed. As a former Liberian journalist, it behooves me to explore the enigmatic challenge posed by the high voter turnout in the upcoming elections and its impact on Liberia’s democracy, primarily the phenomenon of more voters participating.
The upcoming elections in Liberia have sparked unprecedented enthusiasm among the voters. Political rallies are filled with citizens eager to exercise their democratic rights and responsibilities, showing a growing political consciousness. This rise in voter turnout is a positive development for a country still healing from a long civil war and dealing with the complexities of nation-building.
The increased political engagement reflects the commitment of the Liberian people to their democratic system, demonstrating their desire to contribute to the development of their nation actively. The eagerness of the Liberian people to express their political preferences peacefully through voting is a reassuring sign of their determination to strengthen democratic values and principles. But there is an unnoticed issue and mystery.
The unnoticed issue and mystery threaten to undermine the democratic process. The majority of the Liberian electorate are uneducated and poor, making them vulnerable to manipulation by political elites. The promise of small rewards and populist speeches often sway voters, overshadowing the importance of informed voting.
This creates a paradoxical mystery where the increase in voter turnout doesn’t necessarily lead to a better quality of democracy. Instead, it can perpetuate a harmful cycle where political elites exploit the vulnerability of the masses to gain power, reinforcing a system of politics based on favors that undermine democratic principles. There’s a path forward.
Promoting political literacy among Liberians is important to solve this mystery and address the issue. Voters must be educated about the essence of democracy, the significance of making informed choices, and the impact of their electoral decisions on nation-building. The Liberian government, civil society organizations, and international development partners must work together to improve political education and awareness among the people.
Strict electoral laws should also be enforced to prevent vote-buying and other electoral misconduct. The Liberian Electoral Commission should be given the authority to effectively monitor and regulate the electoral process, ensuring democracy is not undermined.
While the high voter turnout in the upcoming Liberian national elections is a positive sign of increasing political awareness, we must recognize the hidden issue and mystery beneath this phenomenon. The challenge is ensuring that the rise in voter participation strengthens democracy rather than becoming a tool for political manipulation. Only then can the Liberian people fully benefit from their hard-fought struggle for democracy and meaningfully participate in nation-building.
The Author, Dr. Alexander L. Redd, is the pastor and founder of Gracious Hope Bible Fellowship in Madison, WI. He authorizes two books: “Liberia’s Search for Freedom: Uniting a Nation Guided by Faith,” and “Stepping into Your True Self.” Write him at info@gracioushopefellowship.com.
