Joint Security Warns Against Pre-victory Celebrations -Requests Political Leaders to Exercise Restraints

By: H Matthew Turry

MONROVIA: In the wake of the pre-victory celebration plans by supporters of the two contenders in the November 14 2023 presidential runoff election, the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change(CDC) and the main opposition Unity Party, the Joint Security of Liberia has strongly warned against the pre-victory celebration rallies by both sides.

In a release issued and signed by Maude M. Somah, the director of press and publicity at the Ministry of Justice, the Joint Security said it has come to their attention that the two Political Parties involved in Tuesday, 14th November 2023 Presidential Run-Off Elections have begun preparing their various partisans and supporters for pre-victory celebrations respectively on Friday, 17th November 2023.

The Joint Security of Liberia said it is reinforcing its pre-election mandate that there will be no such pre-victory celebrations by any political party prior to the announcement of the final results by the National Elections Commission in which the winner hall be declared.

“The Joint Security calls on the leaderships of the two Political Parties to exercise control over their partisans and supporters, as well as to demonstrate a high degree of political maturity and sensitivity, during this crucial time in the country’s democratic sojourn to preserve our cherished peace and tranquility”, the release cautioned.

The statement added that the Joint Security will continue to monitor the situation, including social media platforms, and will hold accountable under the laws of Liberia, anyone who incites chaos that leads to violence.

The release also said Liberians and all residing within the borders of Liberia are assured of an unbridled security and are asked to go about their normal activities.

It can be recalled that on October 10, 2023, Liberians went to the polls to elect President and Vice President, as well as their legislators, but the no one of the multiple contenders in the presidential race attained the benchmark of 50 percent plus one thereby giving room for a runoff between the top two – the incumbent George Manneh Weah of the Coalition for Democratic Change and his main opposition challenger, former Vice President Joseph N. Boakai.

While the results of the runoff are being awaited to be declared fully, supporters of both the CDC and UP have been engaged in pre-victory celebrations to the detriment of the peace and tranquility of the country.