‘I am Not a Ghost’ Appleton Says: ‘We Campaigned Jehovah Witness Style’

MONROVIA: The man who shocked the wider Liberian public particularly when results of the October 10 elections were being announced by the National Elections Commission says he is not a ghost.

 Mr. Edward Appleton, Standard Bearer of the Grassroots Development Movement, was not well known before and during the October polls but consistently topped prominent politicians that some thought he was a ghost candidate in the elections.

He garnered more votes across the country than the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP) and other relatively popular parties.

Speaking at a press conference Tuesday, October 24, 2023, the GDM Political Leader endeavored to demystify himself as per the wider perception of the Liberian public.

“They say I am a Ghost,” he said, and added: “I am not.”

“They say our Party was setup to disrupt the electoral process. That is not true. They say we have endorsed a candidate. Not is true because we have not thanked the Liberian people, the Grassroots yet. They say that I, the Standard Bearer, have left the country. I am Here.”

Alluding to his secret that shocked the nation, Mr. Appleton said: “While the supposedly big parties were looking for crowds and filling stadiums, we were in rural Liberia talking to people one on one. We were talking and delivering our messages, which fell on good grounds. We campaigned Jehovah Witness Style, and although we are not in the top two spots, we are in the position to play a key role in the upcoming runoff elections.”

He continued: “Our Political Party has the same conscience as the Standard Bearer and Vice the Standard Bearer. That is why our decision to endorse must be based on a clear understanding of what the Liberian people want. We are praying for wisdom to make a decision that will make the Liberian people and those who will vote in the future proud.”

He said he and his party would not be mere onlookers, but will be full participants in the democratic dispensation of a second-round election.

“The Grassroots Development Movement intends to work hard to change the paradigm, which will bring about generational change in the not-too-distant future,” he said. “With the enthusiasm shown by the Liberian people in the first round in electing their leaders; it exhibits pertinently that the Liberian people believe in Democracy and Good Governance.”

The GDM leaders said his party that includes him, Standard Bearer, the Vice Standard Bearer, Alex C. Gontee, and all of officers and members commit to stand for peace, justice, good governance, human rights and the socio-economic development of the Liberian people”.

He noted that the yesterday’s press conference was called to thank the Liberian people; the Grassroots, who voted.

Speaking further Mr. Appleton said: “Because of you, our future as Liberians is Bright. We thank the Liberian People, the International Community and Donor Partners, who have stood with our country all these years. Also, we are asking the Liberian people for the same support shown in the First Round to be shown in the Second Round.”

He also thanked the Liberian joint security forces for showing neutrality and for holding the peace.

He thanked all candidates and parties that participated in these elections, as well as Fourth Estate “for a job well done in protecting the electoral process. Let’s work together in peace and unity to Move Liberia Forward. And when we do, we will joyfully sing, ‘All Hail Liberia Hail, This Glorious Land of Liberty shall long be ours.’”

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