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| Stephen Johnson |
Democracy, literally, rule by the people is a
term derived from the Greek dēmokratiā, which was coined from dēmos (“people”)
and kratos (“rule”) in the middle of the 5th century BC to denote the political
systems then existing in some Greek city-states, notably Athens.
Merriam-Webster defines democracy as a form of government in which the supreme
power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly
through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections
(http://www.merriam-webster.com).
Liberia, as a country, undoubtedly, believes
in the tenants of democracy. Our political system is one in which our people
are free to choose their leaders in a process that is largely considered free,
fair and transparent. Over the last few years, we have witnessed democracy at
work whether it was at the community level, county or national levels. We have
been able as a people to elect those who represent us - whether it was the
president, representatives, senators or our community chairpersons - we have
done so void of any gender bias and/or discriminations. Women have won seats
across all spectrums of our political landscape. The election of president
Johnson-Sirleaf and scores of other women at our legislature is a classic
example of a democratic process which allows for competition. Women have
defeated their male counterparts whether it was at the political parties’
primaries level or on the national scene. Women, like men, have enjoyed the
same permutation of winning in a competitive political process-all of which has
happened void of an “affirmative action”.
The affirmative action policies came as a
result to the Civil Rights movement of the 1960′s geared toward ensuring equal
opportunities for people of minority groups as well as preventing workplace
discrimination. It also protects them from discrimination of violence outside
of the workplace as well. However, many critics have argued that many persons
that are not part of a minority groups struggle to find jobs as well (Moreno,
2000). More so, many believe that the majority of the problems that existed
during the Civil Rights movement, when Affirmative action was signed into
effect, no longer exist in today’s world. Issues like segregation, widespread
discrimination, and many other things have been eliminated, so to speak
(Moreno, 2000). They have also argued that there is no longer a need to give
minority groups special treatment, because they are quickly becoming a part of
the majority as well (Moreno, 2000). Interestingly in Liberia, WOMEN are in the
MAJORITY based on the elections statistics. This in itself is an excellent
advantage; which when utilized could see more and more women within political
offices.
Of late, we have witnessed the emergence of a
bill which seeks to promote affirmative action for women, youth and the
physically challenged. While we support affirmation action in its real context,
we strongly believe that allocation of gender specific seats at the legislature
is not only undemocratic, but undermines competition, denies people their
rights on the basis of their gender. We strongly believe that such slanted
support is counterproductive to the essence of affirmative action in itself.
One would think that an affirmative action bill would seek to address the core
issue of workplace diversity and laws that will set standards for the amount of
minority group (women, youth and disabled) that must be employed within a
company or business to make sure that everyone has the same chance of working;
ensuring that public buildings and facilities are accommodating and physically
challenged friendly; that everyone has equal access to higher institution of
learning whether academic or vocational; that the provision of incentives such
as funding to schools and institutions with higher percentage of those the bill
seeks to defend is ensured; and that scholarships opportunities and business
startup funds are awarded to those that may not have otherwise been able to
further their education or generate money wage due to some form of
disabilities.
Reasonably, we think the framers of such Bill
would have focused mainly of improving the conditions of people within such
category through government funded programs and initiatives. Instead, the
framers are of the view that allotting additional seats at the legislature
would be their best bet.
This contrary anomaly raises more questions
than answers. Who are those that elect their representatives, the people or
political parties? How will women be “selected” to fill out the seats? Would
the process not also have disenfranchised other women as well? Where is equity
within the Bill even among women? What if women, in additional to the seats
given under the bill, win the majority seat within the 73 districts, would it
be fair if their male counterparts argue being disadvantaged? What if other
groups that are not captured under this Bill evolved, such as the elderly,
ex-combatants and diaspora Liberians argue representation? Wouldn’t this be a
replica of the numerous peace accords? Are women really discriminated against
within our politics or are they simply not competing at a higher percentage?
Which district will they represent using our election laws? Will I be denied to
exercise my constitutional right of wanting to lead my people simply because I
fall within a district specifically for women? These are the fundamental
questions we ought to ask ourselves and the framers. Unless we find the right
answers, passing such bill will be an effort in futility as it undermines our
Constitution.
I believe that everyone, male or female,
should be allowed to contest within our body politics, convince their
constituents, get elected by their people and not through a process which seeks
to give a particular gender absolute advantage over the next. We cannot
restrict a certain number of seats to only a specific gender and term it
democracy. Women have played and continue to play a vital and admirable role in
our history. They have made tremendous contributions across the landscape.
Whether it was Angie Brooks-Randolph, Christina Tah, Florence Chenoweth, Jewel
Taylor, Geraldine Doe-Sheriff, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf or the many women
providing leadership, women are at CORE of our politics. The current
affirmative action bill only undercuts the achievements of our past and present
female luminaries.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Stephen
holds a Bachelor of Science degree (BSc.) in Economics and a Master Degree
(MBA, Highest Honors) in Finance. A post graduate leadership certificate from
the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University and has a Master in Public Policy from the Penn State University. He has represented
Liberia at several global conferences in his capacity as Assistant Commissioner
of Customs & Excise, Senior Economist and Technical Focal Point Ministry of
Finance and Development Planning at the Spring Meetings, IMF/World Bank,
Washington, DC, 2016, the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, Dakar, Senegal, the
Common External Tariff (CET), Abidjan, Ivory Coast, ECOWAS Trade Liberalization
Scheme (ETLS), Abuja, Nigeria and the Mano River Union’s (MRU) Technical
committee on Peace and Security, Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Also, the African Peer
Review Mechanism, Johannesburg, South Africa among others. He can be reached at
srj131@psu.edu
