Liberia‘s recent election is a sobering reminder of the need for African politicians to prioritise country over party and patriotism before self-interest.
Development Diaries reports that Liberian President George Weah conceded defeat to Joseph Boakai in the presidential runoff, which took place on 14 November.
It is understood that Weah, before the official announcement of the results, telephoned 78-year-old Boakai to congratulate him on his victory.
In the realm of African politics, the call for politicians to prioritise national interests over partisan affiliations and personal gains is more pertinent than ever.
By embracing this paradigm shift, leaders can pave the way for sustainable development, political stability, and social cohesion.
The lessons learnt from Liberia should resonate across the continent, inspiring a new generation of leaders committed to the greater good of their nations.
Furthermore, one of the primary lessons gleaned from Liberia’s election is the necessity for politicians to prioritise the welfare of the nation above partisan interests.
Too often, political loyalty overshadows the greater good, hindering progress and fostering a climate of divisiveness.
African politicians must recognise that the true essence of democracy lies in serving the people, transcending party lines for the collective benefit of the nation.
Prioritising personal interests at the expense of the citizenry only perpetuates a cycle of underdevelopment and erodes public trust in the political system.
Also noteworthy is Liberia’s National Election Commission’s (NEC) professionalism and transparency in the electoral process. The commission deserves commendation for its tenacity, dedication, patriotism, and ability to ‘resist political pressures’ from the politicians.
According to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), no major incidents were reported, and the voting was calm and orderly at various voting centres visited.
This is a key takeaway for other African countries’ electoral bodies to work towards conducting elections that citizens will not cast aspersions on.
Development Diaries calls on African leaders and politicians to emulate Weah and embrace national interests over partisan affiliations and personal gains for the betterment of their individual countries and the continent at large.
Photo source: BBC
