IN A REMARKABLE display of resilience on Saturday, October 18, the stalwart partisans of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) gathered to celebrate a milestone that eloquently embodies the party’s indomitable spirit. They gathered in their swarms, characteristic of CDCians, to break ground for their party’s new headquarters, and they did so with unbridled enthusiasm and spirit. In all fairness, and for all Liberians, this is a beacon of hope, a testament to the unwavering dedication of party members who refused to be deterred by adversity.
THE CDC’S IMMEDIATE past story is familiar to many Liberians. It eviction from its former office, which had served as its headquarters for 20 years while the controversial matter regarding tenancy was still pending. This widely perceived as a politically motivated attack. However, instead of wallowing in despair, the CDC has used this experience as a rallying cry, demonstrating its resolve to stay relevant in Liberian politics. When the wrecking ball razed their former headquarters, many must have thought the CDC’s momentum would be lost. Rivals must have thought it would cause demoralization and contribute to their foe’s planned annihilation agenda. Instead, the CDC’s faithful stood firm, their resolve strengthened by the trial, their passion for the party ideals burning brighter than ever. And for those who doubted, last Saturday was the answer.
CLEARLY, THE GROUNDBREAKING ceremony is more than just a celebration of a new building; it is a testament to the party’s commitment to its ideals and its people, not necessary in concrete structures. It shows that despite the challenges, the CDC remains a force to be reckoned with in Liberian politics. This is a message not just to its supporters but to the entire nation, and indeed, the CDC’s experience serves as a stark reminder to all political parties in Liberia that complacency and recklessness have no place in a multiparty democracy.
IN THE MIDST of all the discourse and noise that the groundbreaking ceremony triggers, let all and sundry be sober and ponder this: The fact that the party did little due diligence to acquire a permanent office during its six years in power is a lesson to be learned. This is coupled with the fact that we all remember that in broad daylight in 2023, the current ruling Unity Party, then in opposition, was seen with trucks filled with its furniture and other office materials on Broad Street, searching for another temporary headquarters to rent. This shame also came due to its failure to acquire a permanent office after 12 years in power. This is cautionary tale for all political parties.
IT’S HIGH TIME, therefore, that Liberian political parties prioritized sustainability and long-term planning. The practice of working from rented buildings reflects shortsightedness and selfishness on the part of party founders and leadership. Now it is imperative that parties recognize that they belong not just to their current leaders but also and mainly to future generations of Liberians. Parties must think beyond the current leadership and plan for the future.
FOR US, THE CDC’s decision to acquire a permanent headquarters is a step in the right direction. We urge the party to extend this initiative to each county and district across the country, ensuring a stronger presence and grassroots connection. This will not only strengthen the party’s presence but also foster a deeper connection with the people they serve.
AS LIBERIA’S POLITICAL landscape continues to evolve and mature, we hope that the CDC’s headquarters groundbreaking marks a new era of party politics—an era where parties prioritize sustainability, due diligence, and long-term planning; an era where parties recognize that their strength lies not just in their transient leaders but in their people and their spirit of resilience.
INDEED, WE COMMEND the CDC for their resolve and commitment to staying relevant in Liberian politics, for setting this example for all political parties to follow suit. Your new headquarters is a testament to your party’s momentum and a beacon of hope for a brighter future. We look forward to seeing the impact this will have on the lives of Liberians.
AND TO ALL Liberian political parties, let this be a lesson. Let’s prioritize sustainability, invest in our parties, and build a stronger democracy not just for the current leaders but also for generations to come. We urge you to regard CDC groundbreaking ceremony as a call to action, a reminder that you, too, must plan for the future and prioritize the needs of the people.
AS LIBERIA MOVES forward, we hope that this milestone marks the beginning of a new era of party politics, one that prioritizes sustainability, due diligence, and long-term planning.