ALCOD is shifting its advocacy to focus on out-of-country voting for Liberian expatriates, seeking expert opinions and a formal government stance on the issue. The organization is appealing to President Boakai for clarity on constitutional definitions related to absentee voting, while collaborating with NEC and lawmakers to facilitate the initiative. ALCOD’s past success in advocating for dual citizenship reinforces its commitment to expanding voting rights for diaspora Liberians.
The All-Liberian Conference on Dual Citizenship (ALCOD) is shifting its advocacy focus towards establishing out-of-country voting rights for expatriate Liberians. This initiative arises from a strategic decision to engage legal experts and constitutional authorities outside of government frameworks, driven by the endorsement of human rights and constitutional legal scholars.
During the Diaspora Liberians Annual Return 2024 event in December, ALCOD representatives discussed their advocacy approach with constitutional and human rights lawyers. The organization’s previous efforts included engagements with the National Elections Commission (NEC) and legislators to optimize voting options for diaspora Liberians in the forthcoming Presidential and Legislative Elections set for 2029.
The basis for ALCOD’s advocacy stems from Article 80 Section ‘C’ of the 1986 Constitution, which affirms every Liberian’s right to register and vote in elections pertaining to their registered constituency, including through absentee ballots. The organization aims to appeal to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. for the government’s formal stance on these voting rights within the outlined constitutional framework.
Counselor Tiawan Saye Gongloe, a prominent human rights and constitutional lawyer, emphasized to ALCOD that understanding the government’s official position on out-of-country voting is crucial for formulating a decisive advocacy strategy. His insights were echoed in discussions with various legal practitioners, all highlighting the challenges posed by the absence of a clear governmental stance.
To solidify this advocacy effort, ALCOD has tasked its Eminent Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel S. Wettee, with leading the appeal to President Boakai, specifically requesting definitions for ‘constituency’ and ‘absentee ballot’ under Article 80 Section ‘C’. Mr. Wettee will also forge connections with other diaspora Liberian groups to broaden this appeal.
ALCOD has consistently engaged with NEC officials to explore viable pathways for implementing out-of-country voting. The NEC has indicated a willingness to facilitate such voting, contingent upon a suitable infrastructure, funding, and necessary platforms being established.
Moreover, ALCOD has collaborated with supportive lawmakers who are prepared to work with various stakeholders to amend existing laws to enable out-of-country voting. ALCOD encourages diaspora organizations to join its advocacy, harnessing their collective strength to lobby President Boakai on this matter, akin to their successful campaign for dual citizenship.
Furthermore, ALCOD acknowledges the contributions of Mr. Michael Mueller of the European Federation of Liberian Associations and Cllr. Jerome Verdier, who are actively supporting out-of-country voting through various approaches.
ALCOD has been a steadfast advocate for dual citizenship since December 2012, successfully achieving this goal in July 2022, marked by significant legislative progress including the House of Representatives’ approval of amendments to the Alien and Nationality Law. This legislative action was achieved through ALCOD’s representation of over 500,000 Liberians in the diaspora, culminating in the Senate’s concurrence with the House.
Following this success, over 1,000 Liberians with dual citizenship obtained their Ordinary Liberian Passport shortly after the law’s enactment, with projections suggesting that approximately 15,000 individuals will secure passports by 2026 due to heightened awareness efforts.
In summary, ALCOD is strategically restructuring its advocacy to focus on establishing out-of-country voting rights for Liberian expatriates. By appealing to legal experts and the government, particularly seeking President Boakai’s official stance on this critical issue, ALCOD aims to streamline its efforts and overcome previous advocacy challenges. Collaborative initiatives with the NEC and supportive lawmakers are also pivotal to realizing this objective, paralleling its past achievements in securing dual citizenship for Liberians. Through continued advocacy and coalition-building, ALCOD aspires to uphold the democratic rights of Liberians living abroad, fostering a strengthened connection to their homeland.
Original Source: www.liberianobserver.com
