By Alfred Kollie
Respect for the rule of law, reconciliation and the fundamental rights of the people must be key priorities of the incoming CDC-led government of President-elect George Weah, a group of former Liberian lawmakers have said.
The Association of Former Elected and Served Legislators of Liberia (AFESL) said in order for Liberia to succeed, these things must be done.
Ben V. Patten, the AFESL President said the Association wants Weah’s government take the first step and provide firm direction for genuine reconciliation.
He said the next government should commit to peace on the gains already made by the current government and international partners.
The association of former lawmakers has, at the same time, congratulated President-elect George Weah and Vice President-elect Jewel Howard-Taylor and elected members of 54th Legislature on their victory, which “depict the maturity of Liberia’s emerging democracy.”
“The tremendous role played by the President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in sustenance of twelve years of peace, transformation and restoring the country’s image among the comity of nations that was ravaged as the result of civil unrest,” Patten said.
The Association of Former lawmakers was established as a Welfare Committee at the end of the tenure of the 51st Legislature years back. It was later transformed to an Association of Former Elected and Served Legislators in 2013.
Its aims and objectives are to seek the welfare of ex-lawmakers as well as advocates and supports government in its quest to transform Liberia.