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News release

Majority of Liberians mistrust local government on revenue management, Afrobarometer study reveals

12 Dec 2024 Liberia
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News release
Key findings
  • Almost two-thirds (63%) of Liberians express little or no trust in their local county governments to utilise locally generated revenue to improve local development (Figure 1).
  • Eight in 10 citizens say that “a lot” (46%) or “some” (34%) of the revenues provided to county governments from local resources will be lost through corruption (Figure 2).
  • Three-quarters (76%) of Liberians “agree” or “strongly agree” that counties should keep part of local revenues for development (Figure 3). o Seven in 10 respondents say that allowing voters to elect county superintendents will boost participation in local governance (71%) and increase accountability (71%). o However, more than half (56%) maintain that the current system of county superintendents appointed by the president has served the country well.

A large majority of Liberians express a lack of trust in their local government authorities to  manage locally generated revenues effectively, according to the latest Afrobarometer  survey. 

The findings also highlight widespread concerns about corruption, with an overwhelming  majority saying that local resources given to county government are likely to be lost to graft.  

In line with these concerns, a majority believe that letting voters elect county superintendents  could boost citizen participation and enhance accountability. Even so, a slim majority favour  the current system of superintendents appointed by the president.