Liberia’s Minister of Commerce and Industry, Mawine Diggs has charged citizens of West Africa Countries to avoid post-election conflict and forge ahead for regional development.
Speaking during a paper presentation titled: “Mechanism for Collaboration between political majorities and Opposition as a crisis prevention mechanism” at the sideline of the delocalized joint committee meeting of the ECOWAS Parliament in Monrovia, Liberia.
Diggs said with the recent unconstitutional change of power witnessed in the region, the political and elite should learn to accept election results to avoid raising down countries after elections, adding that either winner or loser, should learn to collaborate for crisis prevention.
“The majority as the winner and the minority as the loser must keep the country safe, peaceful, stable, and prosperous through inclusion and collaboration.
“As always in a democracy, there will be a political majority elected by the people through the ballot box and a minority who does not get elected.
“Like we say in Liberia, after all the political processes, the country “will not burn”. So it is with all countries in the ECOWAS community. After elections, our countries must not and should not burn.”
She further urged the majority that wins the election to protect the minority as a standard form of a democratic system of government, for adequate representation.
“This responsibility of protection encapsulates the respect for the rights of all, irrespective of the gender, ethnic, or political affiliation of the individual.
“The governing majority is required to build strong and vibrant institutions including an independent judiciary and a free press.
“The governing majority is charged to ensure that the fundamental rights, including healthcare and education, are available and affordable for all.
“Whilst the governing majority must govern, the minority has a charge to subscribe to the rule of law.
“The right to protest and hold government accountable or ”hold their feet to the fire” which is fundamental, must be exercised in a peaceful manner consistent with the constitution.
“Besides criticism, the minority is required to provide alternatives on what the governing majority could do in the best interest of the citizens.
“The first step to govern is the creation of the space and atmosphere for governance, and this is attainable only by collaboration.
“Both the majority and minority must collaborate at all times regardless of the disagreements and divergence of views.
“Both sides must respect democratic principles and values. Whilst the majority focuses more on the delivery of its programs, it must also create an enabling environment for everyone to co-exist. The threat of conflict is greatly minimized by a healthy collaboration between the government, opposition, and those of no position.
“In parliament, it is often said that, “the minority has its say but the majority have the will.
“This assertion finds its true meaning in the responsibility the majority has to all. To demonstrate will means, to do the right thing, and create the space required for all to participate as they so wish.
“For the minority, having a say is meant to insist on holding the government accountable and serviceable while also respecting the rule of law.
“The majority and minority must collaborate and build synergies on their commonalities in areas of gender parity, a free press, an independent judiciary, and an open budget which puts the people first and above all, upholds the constitution.”
