For a progressive, democratic and federal governance system we need a Constituent Assembly to write a new constitution.
Few weeks ago, I wrote an OpEd that was published in the Engage Salone media. In the piece I made the point that Salone needs a reset and renewal starting with a new more democratic, people-centred constitution. To draw up this constitution I called for a 2-year transition Government and a Constituent Assembly led by respected members of wociety. The mainresponsibility of the Constituent Assembly is to write a new constutition in collaboration with civil society.
I have since received messages some raising doubts about it's practicality while others supporting the proposals.
So in response to questions about where else has this has worked, I put together the following examples of how other countries have achieced such a reset starting with Benin Republic and other similar examples from Asia and Latin America. Please take a read and let me know what you think.
Read
Countries have achieved deep national resets through civilian negotiation, broad dialogue, and legal consensus....this is what my research reveals.
Benin (1990)
Facing economic collapse and single-party rule, citizens convened a Sovereign National Conference (a kind of Bintumani Conference) of trade unions, religious leaders, students, and opposition groups. The conference stripped the sitting president of executive power, appointed an independent technocrat as interim prime minister, wrote a democratic constitution, and held free elections in 1991. The then president & revolutionary leader, Mathew Kerekou lost the elections but handed over power peacefully only to return to power later in elections some years later.
Kenya (2008–2010)
Following severe post-election violence, Kenya created an independent Committee of Experts to write a new constitution outside of party politics. Promulgated in 2010, it devolved /decentralized the state and considerably reduced the powers of "imperial President". Power and resources were devolved directly to 47 local governments called Counties as well as making the judiciary and other state instutions more independent because the president no longer appoint judges etc. Now Kenya's national instutions, including the judiciary and Electoral Commission are more independent and development spreading all around the counyty.
Colombia (1990–1991)
Sick of endless violence and political deadlock under an 1886 constitution, university students led the "Seventh Ballot" movement. Millions of citizens deposited unofficial votes into ballot boxes demanding a new charter. The Supreme Court upheld the vote, leading to an elected Constituent Assembly that wrote a progressive new constitution. This is an approach which civil society In Salone can adopt in 2028.
Brazil (1985–1988)
Coming out of authoritarian rule, ordinary citizens submitted over 120 popular petitions backed by millions of signatures directly to the drafting assembly, creating the famous "Citizens' Constitution" that guaranteed universal healthcare, land rights, and social protections.
Nepal (2006–2015)
Following mass public protests against an absolute monarch, political parties and civil society signed a peace agreement, set up an Interim Framework, and elected a Constituent Assembly to transform the state from a monarchy into a secular, democratic republic.
These are just a few examples as the debate on this issue continues. But what this shows is that when national leaders fail, civil society must step In take the lead. 30 years after the 11 years civil war and nearly seven decades of post-colonial elite rule, things are going from bad to worse everyday.
Join the call for a Constituent Assembly, an Interim Government and New Constitution. The political class has failed woefully and as a people we cannot continue to allow them to hold the country back.
Let me know if bag you think in the comment section.