Headquarters Demolition Not Democratic Victory -Bility Says CDC Eviction ‘Sad Day for Liberian Politics’

MONROVIA – The political leader of Citizens Movement for Change (CMC), Nimba County District #7 Representatives says the eviction of Congress for Democratic Change’s (CDC) from its national headquarters is a sad day for Liberian politics and the country’s democracy.

Lawmaker Hassan Musa Bility said in a statement that Liberia’s fragile political culture does not need any more humiliation, division, or triumphalism, despite the fact that the matter may find justification in the law.”

“A political party’s humiliation does not constitute a victory for democracy,” he said further. “The only legitimate and proper way to defeat a political party is through the ballot.”

He said if “we celebrate otherwise, we’re cheapening Liberia’s multiparty democracy foundation”, indicating that the events that took place Saturday, August 23, should not have occurred, and that no one should find joy in them.

Bility then flip the coin wondering what kind of leadership the CDC provided in the midst of the longstanding dispute over the ownership of the headquarters land and “years of tenancy and legal obligations that has plagued the party”.

He asked: “What measures did the party take to prevent this? Was it all about getting media attention the party has since lost due to its blatant inability to protect its most prized resource–its dignity? Could foresight, negotiation, or compromise have prevented this humiliation?”

The Nimba lawmaker asserted that the ability to anticipate challenges and protect institutional dignity is a sign of true and dedicated leadership, not just in times of triumph.

He noted that leaders who can foresee potential obstacles and address them proactively demonstrate foresight and resilience, ensuring their institutions’ reputation and stability remain intact even in challenging circumstances.

Continuing the CMC political leader said this to the ruling Unity Party: “Don’t celebrate this moment, but rather reflect on it. You faced similar circumstances back then, when the political climate flipped. The situation at the time wasn’t funny. The same accusations against you, that you had a hand in this eviction, were leveled yesterday against the CDC.”

He added: “This cycle of blame and humiliation is precisely why, in the Citizens Movement for Change (CMC), we insist that the polarization of our politics must end. Liberia must adopt a new act and an entirely new attitude if it is to succeed.”

Bility noted that again, CDC’s eviction is a sobering episode for all of political parties, as democracy can’t survive humiliation and revenge.

“The only way it can grow is through tolerance, civility, and genuine competition of ideas,” he stressed, hoping that the CDC would use the unfortunate experience (which could have been prevented) as an opportunity to retool, revamp, and focus on strengthening its internal structures and service to its members.

To the ruling establishment, he said further, “this should be a time of reflection on how to engage opponents with civility and maturity.

“For Liberia, as a whole, let this serve as a reminder: humiliation is not democracy, and democracy cannot survive without respect, fairness, and peace.”