MONROVIA, April 1 (LINA) - The distinction between constitution making by “founding fathers” or the traditional approach, and the new constitutionalism took center stage Monday at the ongoing National Constitution Conference in Gbarnga, Bong County.

 
President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf told participants at the conference that the traditional approach seemed designed from on high with little popular input, while the old approach, no doubt served the purposes of past eras. Our present age demands this new approach”.
 
She said it ties in with the infant democracy, dispensation/democratic aspirations.
 
“We embrace a relatively novel and participatory approach to constitution making and to constitutional change.”
 
The Liberian leader said this prevents any notion of executive or presidential manipulation for any purpose whatsoever.  
 
According to her, the new constitutionalism is a transparent communicative forum for political reform, according to the Liberia News Agency.
 
President observed that these key characteristics include a body tasked with educating and consulting citizens on proposed changes, and also gathering and processing popular feedback prior to incorporating it into the final draft amendments.
 
Others are the civic education phase, meaning education on role of constitution in national society and popular consultation phase, meaning nationwide dialogue.
LINA