Monrovia, Liberia — Simeon Freeman, political chief of the Motion for Progressive Change (MPC), has referred to as for decreasing the tenure of the President, Senators, and Representatives from six to 4 years.
By Edwin Genoway
Freeman made the proposal throughout his keynote speech at Religion College’s graduation ceremony over the weekend, sparking renewed debate on governance and accountability in Liberia.
He argued that shorter phrases would encourage elected officers to deal with delivering outcomes and scale back alternatives for corruption.
“When officers know they’ve solely 4 years, they gained’t waste time,” Freeman mentioned. “They’ll be below strain to ship actual outcomes or danger dropping workplace.”
At the moment, Liberian Presidents, Senators, and Representatives serve six-year phrases. Freeman mentioned this size creates complacency and permits misuse of public sources.
“Six years provides them an excessive amount of time to do the incorrect issues earlier than voters can act,” he mentioned. “4 years permits for faster correction if errors are made.”
Freeman proposed a nationwide referendum to let Liberians determine on adopting four-year phrases, noting that many neighboring international locations already comply with this mannequin.
“Why ought to Liberia be totally different? We should align with regional finest practices and prioritize the folks’s welfare,” he mentioned.
His name comes amid rising public demand for political reform, transparency, and improved authorities efficiency.
Observers recommend Freeman’s proposal might unite reform advocates in search of a extra accountable authorities.
If authorised, the change would enable residents to carry elected officers to increased requirements via extra frequent elections.
