By Austin S Fallah-A Public Policy/Administration Expert
Introduction:
In the fluctuating political landscape of Liberia, the relationship between the presidency and tenured positions has become a focal point of debate and contention.
Recently, President Joseph Boakai’s suspension of Mrs.Davidetta Brown Lansanah, the Chairperson of the National Elections Commission, has reignited discussions regarding the authority vested in the president to dismiss or suspend tenured staff.
As outlined in the articles “Amid Public Concerns, President Boakai Suspends Elections Commission Chairperson” from AllAfrica and “Liberia House Repeals Tenured Positions” from FrontPage Africa, the action brings forth a myriad of opinions regarding its legality and implications for governance, accountability, and democracy in Liberia.
While the suspension of tenured officials can have justifications grounded in the need for accountability and responsiveness to public needs, it raises critical questions surrounding political independence, stability, and the potential for abuse of power.
This disquisition explores the pros and cons of President Boakai’s authority to suspend tenured employees, using the contentions illustrated in the aforementioned articles as the foundation for legal arguments.
Pros of Presidential Suspension of Tenured Staff:
- Accountability and Oversight:
One of the primary advantages of allowing the president to suspend tenured staff members, as demonstrated by the suspension of Madam Lansanah, is the establishment of accountability within public institutions.
By granting the president this authority, it becomes possible to ensure that leaders of key democratic institutions, such as the National Elections Commission, are held to specific performance standards.
According to the AllAfrica article, the suspension follows allegations of incompetence and neglect in overseeing electoral processes, underscoring the need for leadership responsive to the public and the governing authorities.
Moreover, effective governance requires that leaders uphold their responsibilities.
Should a tenured staff member fail to act in their office’s best interest, the president must take immediate action to rectify such failures.
The ability to suspend non-performing officials can send a clear message about the administration’s commitment to maintaining high governance standards paramount in a country like Liberia that has experienced significant political instability.
- Presidential Responsibility for National Functioning:
Presidents are ultimately responsible for the functioning of the state, leading to an argument that they must have the authority to make critical personnel decisions.
This view is bolstered by the notion that tenured officers are charged with significant responsibilities that can impact the functioning of the government.
Boakai’s suspension of Mrs. Lansanah ensures that the election process, a vital component of democratic governance, runs smoothly and effectively.
Furthermore, if the president cannot remove officials deemed detrimental to the state’s functioning, it could result in stagnation and deterioration of public trust in government processes.
- Political Stability and Adaptability:
Political entities must adapt to changing circumstances to maintain stability and meet the populace’s needs.
The ability to suspend or dismiss a tenured official allows for a more dynamic and responsive government.
For instance, the articles indicating ongoing scrutiny of the National Elections Commission detail the challenges faced with public perception and confidence in electoral systems.
By taking action against officials whose performance raises questions, the president can help to bolster public confidence and reestablish faith in essential institutions of governance.
Cons of Presidential Suspension of Tenured Staff:
- Threat to Political Independence:
One of the strongest arguments against the presidential suspension of tenured staff is its risk to political independence, particularly within autonomous bodies such as the National Elections Commission.
As discussed in the FrontPage Africa article, repealing tenured positions for political appointees undermines the safeguards to protect electoral institutions from undue influence.
Tenured positions are intended to promote stability and continuity in operations, thereby fostering an impartial electoral environment.
When the president unilaterally suspends leaders of such institutions, it creates the perception (or reality) of political maneuvering, limiting their ability to operate free from political pressure.
Political independence is critical in maintaining a fair and transparent electoral process, a cornerstone of democracy.
If a sitting president can dismiss election officials at will, the freedom of these institutions to conduct impartial elections may be compromised, leading to electoral manipulation and reputational harm to the democratic process.
- Precedent for Abuse of Power:
President Boakai’s suspension of Mrs. Lansanah sets a dangerous precedent that could lead to subsequent abuses of executive power.
By regularly exercising the authority to remove tenured officials, the president may cultivate a culture of fear among political appointees, who may prioritize pleasing the president over fulfilling their duties to the public.
This hampers a culture of accountability and may deter individuals from taking necessary stands and making decisions that are in the nation’s best interests.
The consequences of such a precedent can be severe, particularly in a nation that has previously experienced authoritarian governance.
Should future presidents exploit this authority to suppress dissent, evade accountability, or rule through intimidation, the very tenets of democracy could become jeopardized.
- Potential Impact on Governance and Ethics:
Suspending tenured officials may inadvertently erode trust within the bureaucracy and politicize governance.
Instead of focusing on policies and reforms that can benefit the public, officials may become preoccupied with maintaining their positions by appeasing the president or the administration at the executive mansion.
This shift in focus can result in decreased efficacy in governance and misalignment of priorities, which are detrimental to managing public resources and service delivery.
Moreover, if citizens perceive an environment in which local governance is subservient to the whims of the presidency, public faith in democratic processes and ethical governance may corrode.
The potential emotional and psychological effects of political dismissal can deter civic participation and diminish vital engagement in the democratic process.
In assessing President Boakai’s suspension of Madam Davidetta Brown Lansanah, weighing the pros and cons of allowing presidents to exercise authority over tenured staff members within critical government institutions is essential.
On one hand, the suspension can be a powerful tool for ensuring accountability, enhancing responsiveness, and promoting political stability.
On the other hand, such authority risks undermining political independence, creating a precedent for abuse of power, and negatively impacting governance and ethics.
Ultimately, the challenge lies in achieving a balance safeguarding the essential qualities of democratic governance while maintaining the ability to hold public officials accountable.
Recognizing the delicate balance between necessary governmental oversight and the potential for political coercion is paramount to Liberia’s ongoing commitment to democratic values as the country navigates its unique challenges in the realm of political accountability and institutional integrity.
The conversation sparked by Mrs. Lansanah’s suspension underlines the importance of robust discussions surrounding the governance framework in Liberia as it strives to cultivate a more democratic society.
Newspaper Articles:
https://frontpageafricaonline.com/politics/liberia-house-repeals-tenured-positions/
https://allafrica.com/stories/202305260577.html
https://frontpageafricaonline.com/breaking-news/liberia-president-boakai-suspends-nec-chairman-davidetta-brown-lansanah-for-disrupting-action.