MONROVIA: With political parties, top politicians and political actors becoming the focus of attention endorsing their preferred candidates for the runoff election slated for November 14, 2023 between President George Manneh Weah of the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change and Ambassador Joseph Nyuma Boakai of the Unity Party, the Standard Bearer and Political Leader of the Liberian National Union(LINU), Dr. Clarence Moniba has optical for a radical approach by refusing to endorse any of the two, adding he will be neutral throughout the remaining portion of the election because none of the parties can bring the real change for the country.
In a press statement issued yesterday, copy of which is in the possession of The Analyst, Dr. Moniba said it baffles him that for the past 18 years the governance of the country has been in the hands of the CDC and UP, two of the parties that made the threshold to be in the second round but sadly none of the parties has really provided the much needed change the country and its people crave for.
“As this is my last official speech on this 2023 election cycle, I will end my campaign as we began – not against any one person or political party.
“Therefore, we will not be endorsing any particular party because of where we are as a nation. We are divided enough, people have already died because of these elections, properties have been destroyed and families have been broken. Worst, is that our country of Liberia is still way behind the other countries that are way behind. As all of this has been happening, the two parties that have been in control for the past 18 years – CDC and UP who were both in the runoffs in 2005, 2011, and 2017, have come to us again with promises and the message of change. But how can we truly say that we want to change Liberia, when we continue to vote the same two political parties?”
He said at the end of the first round when LINU did not qualify for the second round, his party consulted with both CDC and UP where they laid out a set of preconditions for their support among which was the party seeking their endorsement should commit to construct the Salayea to Foya Rd in Lofa, the Ganta to Zwedru Road stretching from Nimba to Grand Gedeh, the completion of the Robertsports Road in Cape Mount, and the Buchannan to RiverCess Rd.
Moniba said LINU also asked that plans be made to build technical and vocational colleges in every county’s capital. “Several other policies for which we ran on, were put forward; such as the refurbishment of all government hospitals, beginning with JFK and Jackson F. Doe, as well as better training and salaries to our nurses and doctors. Discussions also centered on better support, in terms of salary, training and equipment, for the security and judiciary as we fight corruption, crime and drugs in the country”, he said.
The young standard bearer’s statement did not however state whether any of the parties accepted or rejected the pre-conditions or why did the party in the first place entertain meeting with CDC and UP knowing fully well that they would have not accepted any request for endorsement.
He said though his party played its part to take state power through the democratic process, but it was not possible this term since only CDC and UP made it to the second round, stressing that beyond who reached the second round, the paramount issue on the ground is that those who lead must do more for the people to come out from the degrading lifestyle they are being plunged into.
“I address the nation today, knowing that the Coalition for Democratic Change, and the Unity Party were selected by the people of Liberia for this year’s run off. It is important to note, however, that politics and campaigns come and go, but our nation and its development remains paramount.
“That is why, before I address any one party, I speak to the thousands of supporters on both sides. It is not worth destroying our nation for any political leader – do not kill and do not die because of politics. Let us all remain peaceful and law abiding as we work towards a New Liberia.
“On Oct 10, the people of Liberia decided that at this moment in our country’s history – it was not our time to lead. I accept this fact, knowing that we have a lot of work to do over the next six years to earn the trust and support of the Liberian people. We are committed to this journey and can promise all listening, that we will work towards Liberia’s transformation”, he said.
He justified his decision to be neutral in the second round because it was not about him picking a side, it is about the people of Liberia demanding that CDC or UP does a better job in leading this country then they have for the past 18 years.
The leader of LINU who said he will still contest the 2029 general election stated that what he hopes and prays for in 2023 and going forward, is that Liberia, in the near future, becomes a great country, “but in order to do so, we have to demand more from our leaders, it is not good enough to vote for someone because they are popular, or because it is their time”.
“Therefore, as the people of Liberia did on Oct 10, we will again listen to the people of Liberia, and any one that is chosen to lead Liberia, will be our President.
“And because we know that not one person, or one party can build Liberia, we here at LINU, have committed to working with whoever wins the impending runoff elections; we ran not because we were against any single Liberian, but because we wanted to stand for every single Liberian.
“And this is why I still stand with the millions of Liberians who demand more. We just don’t want roads, we want modern roads that cover our entire nation. Not just schools, but schools with well-paid teachers, science labs, computers and school feeding programs. Not just jobs, but skilled jobs where the people of Liberia can earn a respectable living while feeding and protecting their families.
“So we will hold whoever wins accountable to the promises that they make today. Serving both as a vocal critic of the elected government when they do wrong, and a strong advocate, when they do right – because only Liberians can build Liberia in our ultimate love for country”, he concluded.
Comments are closed.