O ne of the principles of every
democratic political system is that
government must be accountable to its
citizens,
that
they administer
laws
equitably and fairly, that their actions are
transparent, and that all citizens have
access to the political process. Political
systems and administrations that fail to
live up to these promises are likely be
plagued with low levels of legitimacy.
For the past three (3) years, corruption
has become widespread
in public
procurement, service delivery and
in
awarding contracts in Liberia. Corruption
undermines democratic principles and as a
result, diminishes
the faith people
have
in
the
political process.
It is an important
indicator of
the
performance of a
political
system
and shows that
high
levels
of
corruption
will
reduce
citizen
s u p p o r t
f o r
democratic political institutions. Many
theorists such as Plato, Aristotle and
Machiavelli
viewed
corruption as a
temptation or a fact of life rooted in flaws
of human nature, but the source of
corruption lies
in certain patterns of
inequality.
President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf has blamed
the
failure of her government
to
aggressively fight corruption to the lack of
systems to ensure that people do not
plunder and abuse state resources. But, it
is becoming evident that the President is
not living to the name of “Iron Lady of
Liberia”. The President has increasingly
Written by E. Duke Kolliegbo
Continued on page 6
Pres. Charles G. Taylor
Pres. Johnson-Sirleaf
Late Pres. Samuel K. Doe
2
recently views on the speed of integration
varied from nine to 35 years, but the
continent needed to speak with a united voice
to be heard in international negotiations on
trade and other issues including climate
change.
All 53 AU member states agree in principle
with the goal of continental integration. But
some -- led by economic powerhouse South
Africa -- say it must be a gradual process.
"Gaddafi has given a lot of money to these
leaders over the years," said