MONROVIA : A major pendulum in the ongoing political contest to win votes preparatory to the October 10, 2023 general election may have tilted towards the re-election bid of President George Manneh Weah yesterday, Tuesday, June 13, 2023 when 56 lawmakers representing 54% of the total 103 members of the national legislature unanimously endorsed the President to seek for re-election and vowed to do everything within their ability to ensure that he records a resounding one round victory.
The lawmakers who according to themselves took the decision under the aegis of CDC lawmakers and collaborators at an elaborate ceremony held at the National Headquarters of the party Congo Town, Monrovia which was witnessed by President George Manneh Weah himself and several top government officials, including Speaker of the House of Representatives, Dr. Bhofal Chambers, Deputy Speaker, Cllr. J. Fonati Koffa, Senate Pro Temp Albert T. Chie and top party stalwarts headed by Chairman Mulbah Morlu Jr.
In a resolution read on their behalf by Representative Johnson Gwaikolo of District #9, Nimba County, the lawmakers said they premised their decision based on the exercise of their fundamental constitutional rights “under Article 77(a) of the 1986 constitution of Liberia recognizes and encourages partisan politics for which the Coalition for Democratic Change(CDC) was established to be the body through which citizens with similar political views and ideology would seek means to provide political governance to the Republic of Liberia”
“Whereas, through the conduct of free, fair and transparent democratic elections in 2017, you, Dr. George Manneh Weah Sr were elected President of the Republic of Liberia for a six year term.
“Recognizing, since taking office in 2018, you, President George Manneh Weah has made significant progress in all areas of the nation, including health, education, youth development, gender equality, and social protect, as well as macroeconomic growth(monetary and fiscal policies), food and fuel price stability, energy, infrastructure, agriculture and forestry, human rights and rule of law, national security, social inclusion, and traditional practices.
“Whereas, we strongly believe that a second term of office, when granted you, President George Manneh weah will broaden the development initiatives to foster greater intervention at improving the various sectors of the nation”, the preamble of the resolution said
The lawmakers who cut across the 15 political subdivision of Liberia, some of whom are yet be cleared by CDC to contest their respective seats while others have already being given the green light to contest under the party’s ticket unopposed, said after weighing the strength of President Weah’s level of achievements and chances to be returned on election day, resolved unanimously to support his reelection and to ensure that victory is secured.
“That, we the partisans and members of the CDC legislative caucus do vouch, commit, and direct unanimously all of our energies and devotion unequivocally to your reelection as the Standard Bearer of the Coalition for Democratic Change and President of the Republic of Liberia, your Excellency, Dr. George M. Weah Sr, being a patriotic, selfless and peerless leader, to the position of President of the Republic of Liberia.
“That all members of the CDC legislative caucus shall actively campaign in their respective districts to create the enabling environment in fulfillment of the reelection bid to the position of President of the Republic of Liberia”, the resolution said, amid cheers and shouts of battle cries as Representative Gwaikolo ended reading the resolution.
Earlier, while delivering his short welcome remarks, Chairman Morlu described the occasion as a new day and a testament of the quality leadership President Weah has offered the country and its people which brought a lot of development to the landscape of the country in various areas and commended the lawmakers for being thoughtful in recognizing the passion and commitment the President attaches to the growth and development of the country.
“The number represents 54% of the people of this country who have expressed satisfaction in the stewardship of President George Manneh Weah, the founding father of our great party and our leader who continues to direct the affairs of the state satisfactorily”, he said.
Morlu said the chances of President Weah getting re-elected are bright and urged all partisans to work closer together to make the pursuit a reality.
For her part while introducing the occasion, Representative Julie Wiah of District #2, Lofa County said it was an important day for she and her colleagues of the 54th legislature to gather and endorse the re-election bid of President Weah and lauded him for what he has done positively for the country in a relatively shorter time.
“It is not a mistake as we have witnessed a clean development path of this leadership in the midst of numerous challenges.
“Today, our members of the 54th being not less than 40 have all come out openly to make our decision on behalf of our children’s future”
The President Pro Tempore of the Liberian Senate Albert T. Chie who also spoke at the occasion called for unity among all the partisans to ensure Weah’s re-election while also advising them not to take the lies and rumors that will be peddled around by some detractors.
“Let me remind our members that as we are going into the election, you will hear lies, rumors and innuendos. Let us hold together and close our eyes to the rumors by the opposition to divide us”, he said.
Speaker Bhofal Chambers who spoke later on said he was delighted to be part of a collective intent to ensure that the Shepherd, President Weah leads us to a nobler height as this party is deeply embedded in the Liberian dream, it is the hope that brings restoration”.
“We are ably prepared to lead this country from stumbling under the watchful eyes of President George Manneh Weah” Speaker Chambers said.
President Weah who spoke last to the jubilant and cheering supporters of the party at the program said he was happy to receive the endorsement from the lawmaker and wholeheartedly accepted It vowing to win the ensuing October 10, 2023 based on his performance during his first tenure which expires in months.
“Today, I stand before you with profound gratitude and an unwavering belief in our shared vision, as I wholeheartedly accept your resounding endorsement and reaffirmation of my candidacy for re-election as the President of the Republic of Liberia.
“The fact that the entire membership of the Legislative Caucus of the Mighty Congress for Democratic Change, representing a significant percentage of the membership of the 54th Legislature of the Republic of Liberia, is standing behind my leadership and candidacy in the upcoming elections, fills me with immense pride. This endorsement is not just a seal of approval for our policies and programs; it is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the Liberian people.
“Our accomplishments during my first term have been significant. We have transformed the face of our nation through infrastructure development, empowered our youth to become the driving force of change, and achieved economic stability that has positively impacted the lives of countless Liberians. These achievements are a testament to the resilience and determination of our people”, President Weah said.
President Weah who was obviously beaming with smile and confidence assured the citizens that the general elections will be nothing short of a shining example of democracy in action and quoted the legendary former President of South Africa, the late Nelson Mandela,.”The true character of a society is revealed in how it treats its citizens during the election process.”
“We are committed to upholding the democratic principles that underpin our Nation, and as I have repeatedly promised, my Government will ensure a free, fair, transparent, credible, and peaceful electoral process”, President Weah said.
Several partisans and supporters of CDC, most whom accompanied their lawmakers to the venue, had a festive day listening to some talented Liberian artistes and dancing to various Liberian music and other famous songs familiar with the CDC brand of music.