MONROVIA: Former presidential candidate, Cllr. Tiawan Saye Gongloe has urged President Joseph Boakai to embrace public criticism, arguing that criticism is essential to democracy and should not be suppressed when directed at a sitting government.
In a public education commentary published on his official Facebook under titled, “Why Complain About Criticism, Mr. President? Did You Not Criticize President Weah Too?”,
Cllr. Gongloe says President Boakai strongly criticized the George Weah administration while in opposition, including over insecurity, violent crime, drug trafficking and governance issues.
He argues that criticism was legitimate under the previous administration and should remain legitimate now that President Boakai is in power.
He cites Liberia’s history of political dissent, naming figures including Albert Porte, Tuan Wreh, Togba-Nah Tipoteh, Gabriel Baccus Matthews and Amos Sawyer, who he says openly challenged successive governments.
Gongloe also points to the judiciary as an important check on government, referencing a 2024 Supreme Court ruling concerning President Boakai’s nominations to several tenured positions.
He says he has himself criticized successive administrations and continues to offer solutions, while acknowledging that his views have drawn criticism from supporters of both the Unity Party and the CDC.
Cllr. Gongloe is therefore calling on President Boakai to allow citizens to freely express their views, listen to criticism, correct government shortcomings and explain areas where his administration disagrees with the public.
He concludes that criticism should not be viewed as an enemy of democracy, arguing instead that silence poses a greater danger to democratic governance.
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