Open AccessNeopatrimonialism: The Immense Power of Appointment of the Liberian Presidency
Author(s) -
Stephen H. Gobewole
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
international journal of law and public administration
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2576-2192
pISSN - 2576-2184
DOI - 10.11114/ijlpa.v3i2.5044
Subject(s) - presidential system , presidency , referendum , state (computer science) , public administration , political science , politics , power (physics) , language change , democracy , corporate governance , good governance , presidential election , political economy , law , sociology , economics , art , physics , literature , finance , algorithm , quantum mechanics , computer science
This study examines important factors of disenfranchisement of political subdivisions in Liberia, especially counties and districts due largely to the presidential power of appointment. The study analyzes survey, empirical, and constitutional amendment data gathered by Afrobarometer (Round 7 Survey), election statistics, and public officials’ appointment information. It then correlates associations between the number of county executives, presidential tenure, and referendum approvals to demonstrate a diminishment of democracy due to denying citizens’ right to vote for their local leaders. This has resulted from a gradual enhancement of the Liberian president’s power of appointment, which developed neopatrimonialism in Liberia and continues to foster a patronage system of governance that increases public corruption, a practice that has minimized state capacity, fostered state instability, and raised the potential for conflict.