MONROVIA – There is a lingering debate amongst Liberians regarding the proliferation of parties. On the one hand, one group contends that the rise of many political parties should be limited and controlled because it confuses the electorate and weaken the democratic system. On the other hand, there are Liberians who think the country’s struggle for multiple democracy was costly in terms of human lives, sweat and blood as to restrain its outcome by mechanical reduction of parties. According to them, a liberal electoral system doesn’t hurt anything and anyone, and that the rise and fall political parties should be left with political market forces to determine, rather than by law and practice. No one can predict, they say, which one of the proliferated parties is likely to become stronger and successful in the future. And rightly, the Liberian democratic floodgate remains open, triggering the saturated birth of political parties, one of which, the Citizens’ Movement for Change (CMC) fathered by businessman-turned politician, Nimba County Representatives Musa Hassan Bility, is reportedly on its way soon. As The Analyst reports, the National Election Commissions has already green-carded the organizers to hold their first convention, and there are pundits giving traction to the view that the CMC could take the country by storm in the not too distinct future.
The soon-to-be youngest political party in the Liberian political arena has announced to all and sundry about its advent, as it holds first convention reportedly acquiesced by the chief umpire of elections, the National Elections Commission.
The Convention Planning Committee of the Citizens’ Movement for Change (CMC) party said in a release that it will hold its first National Convention from February 28 to March 1, 2025, in Saclepea, Nimba County.
Reportedly fathered by Nimba County District #7 Representative, Musa Hassan Bility, the CMC Convention Committee asserts that the gathering will be a milestone event marking a significant step in the Party’s journey towards formal political participation in Liberia.
According to a release, the National Elections Commission (NEC) has already authorized the proposed Citizens’ Movement for Change (CMC) to proceed to its first National Convention given that it has met all preliminary requirements regarding the Registration of Political Parties, Alliances, and Coalitions in Liberia, as outlined in Section 7 of the Regulations and Procedures Relating to the Registration of Political Parties, Alliances, Coalitions, and Independent Candidates, the NEC has granted authorization for the Organizing Committee to convene the Movement’s first National Convention.
In a communication addressed to Mr. James M. V. Yougi, organizing Chairman of the proposed CMC, by NEC Acting Chairperson P. Teplah Reeves dated February 18, 2025, the Board of Commission the party “has met the preliminary requirements concerning the registration of political parties, Alliances, and Coalitions in Liberia”.
The NEC communication stated: “In view thereof, and consistent with Section 7 of the Regulations and Procedures Relating to the Registration of Political Parties, Alliances, Coalitions, and Independent Candidates which states that upon the proposed party’s satisfaction of the above requirements in Section 6, the NEC shall authorize the organizing Committee to take the proposed party to its first national convention to among other things adopt the party’s constitution and by-laws, you are hereby authorized to take the proposed party to its first national convention no later than six(6) months upon receipt of this letter of authorization.”
“Upon your satisfaction of the convention provision indicated supra, the Commission shall officially certificate your institution as a registered political party in Liberia,” the NEC indicated.
The CMC announcement also disclosed that during this historic convention, it will adopt its Constitution and By-Laws, laying the groundwork for its official recognition as a full-fledged Political Party in Liberia.
“Delegates from across Liberia, including party leaders, grassroots representatives, and stakeholders, will gather to chart the future of the CMC and reaffirm its commitment to engendering positive change and national development,” the release further said.
It added that the CMC is dedicated to promoting the rule of law and good governance in Liberia.
According to the organizing committee chair, this Convention presents a crucial opportunity for CMC to solidify its vision and strategies in preparation for full political engagement.
He extended, on behalf of the organizing leadership, open invitation to all members, supporters, and well-wishers and sympathizers to participate in this landmark event.