Ruling Coalition Signs New Pact -Despite Initial Signing Fallout, Talks To Obtain Full Majority Consent Continue

MONROVIA – Amid rancorous outcomes seething in collaboration talks in other political quarters of the country, the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) is teetering quite gingerly to obtain a clean slate in how it builds consensus around adopting a new framework pact. The agreement which thrust the coalition to power was brokered in 2017 on the portals of the general and presidential elections of that year, and it expires towards another round of crucial election. Already, signature deficits are reported on the new Coalition Document (CA), with some senior officials of two of the constituent parties withholding their pens. But as The Analyst reports, talks are underway and intensified to ensure that, though majority signatures are affixed, the one or two outstanding ones are being wooed to get on board.

The “Mighty Coalition for Democratic Change” as the ruling CDC fondly refers to itself has put pen to paper on a new institutional framework as elections hovers on the horizon for this year.

The clock is ticking closer to the holding of Liberia’s landmark presidential and legislative election, and like all other political parties, the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) is fighting tooth and nail to seek a second term.

But before that, pundits believe rancorous contentions plaguing constituent CDC Parties over internal political differences must be settled sanely in order to ward off the possibility to meeting the maxim, “the house divided against itself cannot stand”.

News reaching The Analyst indicates that the National Patriotic Party (NPP) of Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor, the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) of President George Manneh Weah, and the Liberia People’s Democratic Party (LPDP) of Mr. Alex Jeneka Tyler on Tuesday, February 7, 2023 signed the Coalition Agreement that could smoothly pave the way for a Coalition victory in October 2023, but pockets of hiccups loom.

According to information gathered, yesterday’s signing of the Coalition Agreement (CA) followed an extensive review of the draft Coalition Agreement (CA) amongst the three Constituent Parties: the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), the National Patriotic Party (NPP) and the Liberia People’s Democratic Party (LPDP); and the receipt of two-third mandate Resolution from all three political parties.

The signing ceremony, the report says, was witnessed by members of the National Executive Committees of the three Constituent Parties at the Coalition Headquarters in Congo Town.

It is further reported that, already, President George M. Weah signed on behalf of the Congress for Democratic Change as Standard Bearer, while Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor signed on behalf of the National Patriotic Party as its Standard Bearer.

Other officials of the two constituent parties who also signed the Coalition Agreement included Mulbah Morlue and Jefferson Koijee, Chairman and Secretary General respectively of the Congress for Democratic Change. NPP Secretary General Andrews Peters also signed, while Moses Kollie signed as Chairman of the Liberia People’s Democratic Party, along with his party’s Secretary General Eric Kayee.

NPP’s Chairman James Biney and LPDP’s Standard Bearer Alex Jeneka Tyler did not sign the Coalition Agreement.

Despite the signing of the Coalition Agreement by what seems to be a majority of officials as required, The Analyst is reliably informed that consultations are ongoing to ensure that NPP Chairman James Biney and LPDP Standard Bearer Alex Tyler sign the Coalition Agreement.

Following the signing ceremony February 7, 2023, Coalition party stalwarts were effusive about the outcome of the event, which many felt was a clear signal that the CDC was ready to retain its seat and give President Weah a second term mandate.

“The Leadership of the NPP Montserrado Chapter District 13 and partisans say a very big thanks to the NEC of NPP, Standard Bearer and Vice president of the Republic of Liberia for reaffirming the trust and confidence imposed in your leadership. Thanks ever so much ya,” Marcus Lahai Rogers enthused in a social media post about the signing ceremony

“This is welcoming!!! This one is behind us. United we stand, we are stronger together,” Leekpelly Richlue Dewalt beamed with happiness in a social media post.

“Great news for our collaboration”. NPP all the way!!!!!! Congratulations, we look forward to good collaboration,” other posters stated.

“Congratulations Madam Standard Bearer, let the party move on,” beamed Charlotte Dixon.

“Welcoming news, all is now set for a one round victory,” Abdulai Dargo enthused.

The signing of the Coalition Agreement comes in the wake of a long-standing feud within the National Patriotic Party over internal political wrangling that saw the party divided right in the middle, with two factions being created as a result of the rancor.

The acrimony saw Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor and Chairman James Biney hotly contesting for the vortex of power, a situation that was somehow recently resolved reportedly through the intervention of President George Weah.

It could not be immediately established what underlies the contention of LPDP’s Standard Bearer Alex Tyler from signing.

There were expectations and fears that the CDC would meet a dead end over any new political negotiation framework since the last year and half had seen the opposition torn apart, apparently unable to control zest for power, over framework imbroglio.

Pundits say if the CDC does prevail over the raging contentions and finally gets the two officials of two constituent parties sign to the new CA, it would go without saying that indeed the ruling coalition is truly on top of the game maturely and sensibly.