Protecting the future of Democracy in Liberia: Some necessary connects with Economic Well-being

Introduction

The west African nation of Liberia has long struggled with democracy and economic prosperity. Liberia has experienced political unrest, economic stagnation, poverty, corruption, and social inequality ever since it was founded in 1847. The state of the nation was made even worse by a civil war that raged there for more than ten years (1989–2003). Liberia has made significant strides toward economic growth and democracy recently, though not without a long and arduous struggle. First democratic elections were held in 2005, which is regarded as a turning point toward a more secure and democratic future (Freedom House, 2021). The crucial connection between Liberia's economic health and the future of its democracy, however, continues to be a pressing problem that calls for constant attention and action.

Liberia is ranked 38th out of 54 African nations by the Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG) in terms of overall governance (Ibrahim Index of African Governance, 2020). Since the end of the civil war in 2003, Liberia has made some strides toward democracy and sound government, but the nation still has a long way to go. One of the main issues that Liberia still faces is weak governance, which is coupled with corruption and a lack of economic opportunities. According to Transparency International's ranking of Liberia at 137th place out of 180 in its Corruption Perception Index for 2020, corruption is still widespread in the nation (Transparency International, 2021). This demonstrates the urgency with which Liberia must address corruption, enhance transparency and accountability, and fortify its institutions.

Additionally, Liberia's business climate continues to be difficult, with the nation coming in at 175th place out of 190 on the World Bank's Doing Business report (World Bank, 2021). Despite having a high rate of poverty and abundant natural resources like iron ore, diamonds, gold, and timber that could be used to spur economic growth and development, 50.9% of the population still lives below the poverty line (World Bank, 2021). High unemployment rates, inadequate infrastructure, and restricted access to basic services are a few of the things that have hampered Liberia's economic growth. These and other elements have hampered Liberia's economic development, leading to extreme poverty that endangers the nation's democratic advancement.

The importance of economic development in fostering stability and good governance as it relates to the future of democracy in Liberia has become clear. The country's democratic institutions and processes may be threatened by social and political unrest brought on by a lack of economic opportunities. In turn, weak democratic institutions can obstruct the expansion and advancement of the economy. In fragile states like Liberia, economic growth can result in poverty reduction, which is essential for fostering stability and reducing conflict (UNDP, 2021). Economic expansion can also improve governance by giving the government the funds it needs to invest in social programs, infrastructure, and public services (Chong and Gradstein, 2007). A healthy democracy depends on its citizens having access to services like healthcare, education, and other necessities.

Liberia has made efforts recently to reduce corruption and increase economic opportunities. The government has started a number of programs to encourage economic growth and development, such as the Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (PAPD), which aims to eradicate poverty, foster inclusive economic growth, and improve governance (UNDP, 2021). Although progress has been slow, there are still many obstacles to overcome. Despite these encouraging developments, the nation still faces a number of obstacles, including extreme poverty, corruption, and poor governance, all of which pose a threat to the advancement of democracy and the expansion of the economy. As a result, this blog post examines the crucial connection between Liberia's economic health and the country's prospects for democracy, and it offers suggestions for enhancing both.

State of Democracy

Liberia has made significant progress towards building a political culture since the end of the civil war in 2003. Three legislative elections and two democratic presidential elections were held in the nation, and all three were deemed free and fair by international observers (Freedom House, 2021). These votes are a crucial part of democracy because they give voters the chance to choose their associates and hold them accountable. Furthermore, the 2017 presidential vote was a major milestone for Liberia. It marked the first peaceful transfer of power from one elected president to another in over 70 years (UNDP, 2021). This transfer of power demonstrated the government's commitment to democracy and the rule of law and set an example for different countries in the region. The nation's strong democratic institutions, such as the National Elections Commission (NEC) and the Supreme Court, which were crucial in ensuring the election was free and fair (Freedom House, 2021), made it possible for the peaceful transfer of power. Liberia has taken steps to advance political management and respect for human rights in addition to holding free and fair elections. The Freedom of Information Act was passed, the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission was established, and the Independent National Commission on Human Rights (Freedom House, 2021) were among the laws and policies the nation has passed to protect civil and political rights.

Despite these achievements, Liberia's politics remains delicate. The nation is dealing with a number of issues that could endanger political organizations and procedures. One of the most pressing problems is fraud, which is widespread at all levels of government and community. Liberia ranks 137th out of 180 countries in Transparency International's Corruption Perception Index (2021), indicating a high level of corruption. By lowering public confidence in the government and obstructing the provision of public services (Chong & Gradstein, 2007), corruption undermines democratic institutions. As resources that ought to be used for public goods and services are diverted to strengthen a select few elites, it even contributes to inequality and poverty. To improve Liberia's politics, the government must tackle corruption and increase transparency and accountability. This may require a concerted effort from the authorities, civil society organizations, and the global community.

Poor institutions and the rule of law are another issue that Liberia's democracy is dealing with. Liberia's justice system is underfunded and understaffed, and it often fails to deliver justice for normal people. This has contributed to a society of violence, where those in authority may work with violence and disregard for the law. The government must invest in the justice system, including training and tools for judges, prosecution, and other legal professionals, in order to improve the rule of law. Problems are likewise drawn to restricted access to basic services, including education and healthcare. The lack of access to these services may destroy citizens ' ability to participate in the political process and enhance their financial well-being. The state must prioritise addressing these challenges to encourage sustainable democracy and economic development.

Also major in sustaining democracy and human rights are civil society organizations and the internet in Liberia. Non-governmental organizations, community-based groups, and religious organizations are examples of civil society organizations that have played a significant role in promoting policy reforms, keeping an eye on government operations and holding those in positions of authority responsible. Likewise, the media, including print, electric, and net media, have played crucial role in providing the community with information and holding the government responsible for its actions. Nevertheless, civil society organizations and the internet face significant challenges, including harassment and intimidation from the authorities and other celebrities. To enhance democracy in Liberia, the government may respect and protect the rights of civil society organizations and the internet to run freely and individually.

The government may respect and safeguard the freedom of civil society organizations and the media to operate easily and individually in Liberia in order to improve democracy and human rights. The government may produce an enabling environment that allows civil society organizations and the internet to work without fear of harassment or coercion. This includes passing and implementing rules that protect the rights of civil society organizations and the internet, and ensuring that those who violate these rights are held responsible. In order to address their concerns and include their viewpoints into policy-making processes, the government should also engage in constructive dialogue with civil society organizations and the press. The government may foster trust and transparency, which are crucial for the survival of democracy and human rights, by interacting with civil society organizations and the internet.

Ultimately, civil society organizations and the media play a vital role in promoting transparency, accountability, and great management, and their active participation is essential for the food of democracy and human rights in Liberia. Nevertheless, civil society organizations and the internet face significant challenges, including harassment and intimidation from the authorities and other celebrities. To enhance democracy in Liberia, the government may respect and protect the rights of civil society organizations and the internet to run freely and individually. Liberia can achieve this by establishing a more robust, all-encompassing politics that advances the welfare of its citizens and contributes to regional stability.

Economic well-being

Economic well-being refers to the extent to which people have the resources they need to lead fulfilling life, including access to basic necessities like food, water, and shelter(World Bank, 2021). It plays a significant role in Liberia's politics in the future. Liberia continues to be one of the poorest nations in the world, with higher rates of poverty, poverty, and inequality, despite significant improvements in economic indicators in recent years. Its economy is largely dependant on its natural resources, including plastic, forest, iron ore, and pearls, which are vulnerable to fluctuations in prices. Due to factors like poor infrastructure, poor governance, and corruption (World Bank, 2021), the nation has not been able to effectively utilize these resources. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the country's economy, with a contraction of 3.6 % in 2020 (World Bank, 2021). These factors have contributed to Liberia's poor economic performance, with the country ranking 175 out of 190 countries on the World Bank's ease of doing business index(World Bank, 2021).

Liberia's economic difficulties are strongly linked to governance problems, particularly corruption and weak institutions. Fraud is a widespread problem in Liberia, and the state ranks 137th out of 180 places in the 2020 Corruption Perception Index (Transparency International, 2021). By diverting funds from public infrastructure and services and undermining public confidence in institutions, fraud undermines economic growth. It has taken various forms, such as bribery, embezzlement, and favoritism. The country's corruption problem ( Freedom House, 2021) has been exacerbated by the lack of transparency in public procurement and contracting processes, the lax enforcement of anti-corruption laws, and the constrained capacity of the nations law enforcement agencies to look into and prosecute corrupt practices. The effects of fraud in Liberia have been far - reaching, including reduced public investment in infrastructure, social services, and training, and increased poverty and inequality.

However, weak institutions, such as the judiciary, have likewise undermined Liberia's economic development and growth by creating an uncertain business environment, discouraging investment, and stifling innovation. A weak judiciary system makes it difficult to enforce treaties and protect property rights, which is essential for economic development and attracting foreign investment. Due to the court's limited ability to uphold laws and regulations, the business environment is uncertain, which deters innovation and economic activity. Additionally, corruption in the legislative and judicial branches more erodes the rule of law and stunts economic growth. This severely impacts the over 50% of the population that has limited access to necessities like healthcare, education, and fresh water. According to the World Bank (2021), over 50 % of Liberia's population lives below the poverty line, which means they cannot afford to meet their basic needs. This position has left a significant proportion of the population vulnerable to hunger, malnutrition, and preventable diseases.

 This lack of economic well-being likewise impacts different areas of life, such as education and mortality rates. The nation's bad financial performance has had negative impact on the education sector. With limited resources, the state has not been able to invest properly in the education field. Consequently, Liberia has one of the lowest literacy rates in the world, with only 48 % of the population over 15 years old being literate (UNDP, 2021). This means many kids are unable to develop the necessary expertise to secure gainful employment and increase their standard of living, perpetuating the cycle of poverty.

Poor socioeconomic conditions have also affected the healthcare industry in Liberia. With minimal resources, the state has not been able to invest properly in the healthcare system, leaving many Liberians without access to basic health services. The lack of access to medical care has contributed to high mortality rates in Liberia, especially among children and pregnant women. The country has one of the highest infant mortality rates in the world, with 52 deaths per 1, 000 live births, while the maternal mortality rate is 661 deaths per 100, 000 live births (UNDP, 2021). Lack of access to medical care has also facilitated the spread of treatable illnesses like tuberculosis and malaria, which has resulted in substandard living conditions. Many Liberians live in overcrowded, unsanitary, and unsafe housing conditions, often lacking basic amenities such as clean water and sanitation facilities (UNDP, 2021). This situation has led to the spread of illnesses and increased exposure to natural disasters such as storms.

 It is necessary to encourage investment and entrepreneurship, especially in the agricultural and manufacturing sectors, in order to improve financial well-being in Liberia. Investment in infrastructure, such as roads, power, and water, is also important for the development of the private business and job creation. Moreover, promoting access to finance and reducing the cost of doing business would help to spur economic growth and reduce poverty (UNDP, 2021). Furthermore, wise to improve institutions, including the court, legislature, and address corruption through reforms that promote transparency and accountability. The government needs to apply policies that promote a business - pleasant surroundings, enhance the capacity of law enforcement agencies to inquire and pursue corruption cases, and boost public participation in management techniques. The international community, the media, and civil society organizations may all play a crucial part in fostering accountability, good governance, as well as transparency.

While economic growth is essential for any country's creation, it cannot address all of its problems on its own. As such, socioeconomic development alone is not enough to address the challenges facing Liberia's business. There is also a need to tackle inequality and produce a more equitable society that benefits all residents. Economic growth, social cohesion, and political stability (OECD, 2019) can all be negatively impacted by inequality. Addressing disparity requires investing in individual money, such as education and healthcare, and promoting social protection plans for vulnerable groups, such as girls, children, and people with disabilities. These investments will not only help to reduce poverty but also create a more skilled workforce and promote social cohesion (Chong & Gradstein, 2007).

Furthermore, education is a crucial investment in human capital that can help to minimize poverty and inequality. In addition to giving people knowledge and skills, education also fosters social mobility and economic growth(Psacharopoulos & Patrinos, 2018). Unfortunately, Liberia's education system has been struggling for decades, with low enrollment rates, poor infrastructure, and low quality of education(UNDP, 2021). Healthcare is another vital investment in people money that can help to reduce poverty and inequality. Healthier populations are more productive and can contribute to economic growth (Bloom et al., 2021). However, Liberia's healthcare system faces significant challenges, including limited access to basic services, inadequate infrastructure, and inadequate healthcare financing(WHO, 2021). Also, social protection programs such as cash transfers, food assistance, and social insurance can help to reduce poverty and promote social inclusion(Barrientos, 2013).

Hence, to ensure that everyone has access to high-quality education and to increase everyone's ability to access simple healthcare services, especially for those with disabilities who are more likely to experience poverty and exclusion, the government must prioritize investing in education, fundamental healthcare systems, and social protection programs. For Liberia's future economic growth and stability, addressing inequality and fostering a more equitable society are essential. The reduction of poverty, the promotion of social cohesion, and the development of a more skilled workforce all depend on investing in individual funds, such as education and healthcare, as well as promoting social protection programs for vulnerable groups. Liberia can create a better future for its people by overcoming these difficulties, and it can also serve as an example of democracy and economic growth in the area.

Pathways to ensure Economic well-being and protect democracy

To address the crucial link between economic well-being and democracy in Liberia, the following tips are important:

1. Promote Economic Growth: The state needs to adopt policies that support economic growth, such as investing in infrastructure, promoting entrepreneurs, and creating a business - friendly atmosphere. The private sector can even play a vital role in promoting economic growth by investing in key areas such as agriculture, miners, and production. The authorities should provide opportunities for private sector investment and ensure that rules are transparent and fair.
2. Address Corruption: Problem is a major barrier to economic growth and political development in Liberia. The authorities should emphasize pro - problem attempts by strengthening organizations that promote clarity and accountability, such as the Liberia Anti - Corruption Commission. The media and civil society organizations should have the authority to track and expose corrupt practices.
3. Engage in Education: Education is essential for economic growth and politics. In recent years, Liberia has made significant strides toward increasing access to education, but many work needs to be done. The government needs to spend more in learning and ensure that children, especially women, have access to excellent education. Improving education will increase human capital and productivity, which are crucial for economic growth.
4. Strengthen Institutions: Strengthening organizations that uphold the rule of law is essential for democratic development and economic properly - being. The authorities should emphasize judicial reform and guarantee that the court is independent and free from political interference. Civil society organizations and the media should also be empowered to hold those in power accountable and promote democratic values.

Therefore, addressing Liberia's crucial connection between economic prosperity and democracy calls for a multi-faceted strategy that includes fostering economic growth, combating corruption, funding education, and bolstering institutions that uphold the rule of law. By implementing these suggestions, Liberia would create a brighter future for its people and be a concept of democracy and socioeconomic development in the region.

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