Sen. Lawrence Welcomes US Diplomat’s Statement on Election -Says US Support Underscores Historic ties

MONROVIA: As some of Liberia’s international partners continue to show interest in the ensuing general elections, Senator Nyonblee Karngar Lawrence has said she welcomes and appreciates the recent statement by the Charges D’Affaires of the United States Government, Madam Catherine Rodriquez, on the upcoming legislative and Presidential Elections in Liberia.

In a press statement issued from her office and signed by herself yesterday, the Grand Bassa County Senator said the support of the United States Government to the upcoming elections in Liberia as indicated by its Charges D’affaires, Cathrine Rodriquez is a manifestation of the historical and mutually beneficial relationship the both countries have cultivated over the years and comes at a time when Liberia needs it so desperately.

In the terse release the tough talking Senator said that as a country that has had some of its darkest days traceable to electoral disputes, the manner of the conduct of the upcoming elections would be very crucial to sustaining the country’s peace and democracy. She asserted that the disturbing political rhetoric of the ruling CDC to win the October Presidential Elections on first balloting despite its unpopularity, is increasingly causing panic and tension among ordinary Liberians who see the upcoming elections as an opportunity to redefine the leadership path of the country.

She noted that this situation is further heightened by recent developments in neighboring Sierra Leone where the US Government has imposed sanctions on a select group of individuals for their alleged involvement in rigging the recent presidential election there. These developments render the support of the US Government to the upcoming elections in Liberia even more timely and welcoming.

“I would like to urge President Weah and his officials to pay heed to the statement of the US Government and ensure that the upcoming elections are free, fair and transparent; reflecting only the will of the Liberian people. Once again, I would like to appreciate the US Government for its efforts in ensuring that the outcomes of the October elections reflect nothing less than the popular will of the Liberian people and call on the involvement of other members of the international community in preventing the possibility of vote rigging during these elections. Liberty Party and the Opposition Unity Party Collaboration remain available and willing to cooperate with the US Government and other international partners in this regard”, she concluded.