Monrovia, Liberia – he political leader of the Movement for Progressive Change (MPC), Simeon Freeman has intensified advocacy and champion the urgent need for systematic change for the reduction of tenure for President, Senators, and Representatives to four years each.
Freeman’s proposal has sparked renewed national discourse on governance, accountability, and the urgent need for systemic change in Liberia. Shortening elected officials’ terms of office will not only increase their concentration and results-drivenness but also reduce the waste of public funds, according to the MPC political leader.
Officials won’t waste time knowing they only have four years. They will realize that there is no time to misappropriate or steal from the state. Rather, they would be forced to produce tangible outcomes or face swift removal. Liberian senators now hold office for nine years, while presidents and representatives hold office for six years. According to Freeman, politicians’ prolonged tenure in power frequently breeds complacency and a sense of invincibility, which breeds widespread corruption and a lack of urgency in meeting the demands of the populace.
“Six years gives them too much time to make poor decisions before they even consider making the good ones. But with four years, officials must hit the ground running. It is possible to rectify any errors made by the electorate in selecting their leaders as quickly as possible,” he said.
However, Freeman proposed that a national referendum be held, allowing Liberians to decide whether they want a more agile and responsive government structure. Many of the subregion’s nations have already switched to four-year terms. Why should things be any different in Liberia? Freeman asked. The MPC political leader explained, “We must prioritize the will and welfare of the Liberian people and align our democratic framework with regional best practices.”
His comments coincide with a growing national desire for political reform, which is being driven by broad worries about corruption, poor progress, and government accountability. Freeman’s idea, according to observers, may serve as a focal point for reform-minded politicians and civil society organizations advocating for a more open and effective system of government.
The proposed amendments have the potential to significantly alter Liberia’s political landscape if they are approved by referendum, enabling voters to hold elected officials to a higher level of performance and express their democratic voice more regularly.
Simeon Freeman’s appeal for change is gathering momentum as the nation prepares for a more in-depth discussion in the upcoming months, making him one of the key voices for a new age of responsible leadership in Liberia.
