DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE:
A 2-PRONGED STRATEGY
The 14-years of civil conflict have left Liberia
without basic political, social, and economic structures and systems;
and poor governance has resulted in a rule of law which is virtually
non-existent. Good governance is therefore considered key to re-establishing
civil authority and rule of law. Promoting good governance in all
its aspects: ensuring the rule of law, improving the efficiency
and accountability of the public sector, and eliminating corrupt
practices is essential to the achievement of sustainable development.
In partnership with, USAID, the European Union, International Monetary
Fund, World Bank, African Development Bank, and other UN agencies,
UNDP is supporting the new Government of Liberia (GOL) in its reform
agenda. UNDP's Governance Programme endeavors to support Liberia
in improving the management of its public resources, enhancing public
sector accountability and transparency, and developing greater public
awareness about the need for and requirements of good governance.
The 2-pronged strategy, encompassing the political and economic
dimensions of governance, contributes to the on-going post-war national
reconstruction and development efforts in Liberia.
Political Governance
UNDP is concentrating its efforts on building national capacity,
and facilitating public sector reform through national and government
institutions which promote transparency and accountability. Institutions
include the Governance Reform Commission, the Civil Service Agency,
the Legislature, the Contracts and Monopolies Commission, the Liberia
Institute of Public Administration, and the General Auditing Office.
These activities support the post-election national development
and reform agenda such as the review of the constitution and administrative
laws creating local government authority, and the transfer of fiscal
and administrative authority to local government.
Economic Governance
UNDP’s support focuses on reviewing the necessary policy instruments;
developing pivotal policies and strategies to support national planning;
efficient resource management; and the creation of an environment,
which will enable private sector development, employment creation
and growth. UNDP is helping to strengthen the National Planning
Council, contributing to the establishment of a central database
system at the Ministry of Planning and Economic Affairs, supporting
the Liberia Reconstruction Plan, as well as aid coordination and
resource mobilization.
UNDP assists with the production of baseline data and analysis to
inform policy development and implementation, including the Liberian
Poverty Reduction Strategy, and the Liberia’s progress report towards
achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). (see Development
Strategy and Policy).
The Governance Programme
encompasses 7 components:
1. Implementation of the RFTF (Results-Focused
Transition Framework)
2. Restoration of Government
3. Public Sector Reform & Anti-Corruption
4. Restoration of Rule of Law
5. Elections
6. Micro-finance Initiative
7. Diamonds for Development
UNDP Liberia