UP, CDC Caution Supporters to Avoid Violence -Say Their Votes Are Protected

MONROVIA: With the National Elections Commission (NEC) on Wednesday, November 15, 2023 commencing the announcement of provisional results of the Tuesday, November 14, 2023 presidential runoff election, partisans, supporters and well-wishers of the opposition Unity Party (UP) Alliance, and the governing Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) have been cautioned to exercise restraint and avoid the temptation of engaging into violence or acts that could lead to violence and undermine the nascent democracy of Liberia.

The statements from the two contending political institutions come against the backdrop of supporters of the CDC and the UP Alliance taking to the streets to prematurely celebrate their respective presidential candidates as winners of the November 14 runoff, in the absence of the NEC announcing its official final result.

However, in an apparent bid to calm a situation that could turn volatile if left unchecked, Unity Party Alliance Standard Bearer Joseph Nyuma Boakai on Wednesday extended his appreciation to the Liberian people for turning out to exercise their franchise, but cautioned everyone to remain calm and avoid engaging into violence.

“On November 14, 2023, we went to the polls in the runoff presidential election to decide who leads our country over the next six years beginning January 2024.

“On behalf of the Unity Party Alliance, I wholeheartedly appreciate and congratulate all Liberians for turning out to vote in the peaceful manner in which they did. Our appreciation also to the security forces for responding to minor disturbances at some polling centers.

“As we have started, we will do everything humanly possible to continue to protect your votes. We will also continue to work with our international partners to ensure that the results of the votes cast by everyone will be announced in keeping with the will of the people.

“In so doing, I urge all Liberians to avoid the temptation of engaging into violence or acts that could lead to violence and remain steadfast in their pursuit of democratic transition.

“Hats off to our campaign team and all those who worked with us to ensure that we had a well-coordinated and decisive campaign. As I always say, Think Liberia, Love Liberia and Build Liberia,” Ambassador Boakai stated.

The CDC for its part seized the occasion to reinforce its position as winner of the November 14 polls, with National Campaign Spokesman Cllr. Kanio Bai Gbala stating in no uncertain terms that the party is convinced President Weah won the polls and will be reelected.

“Commencing today and within the coming days, the NEC will commence releasing results from the just ended runoff. Given that the results are being released in no particular order, it is possible for either the CDC or UP to take the lead.

“As these results are being released, we urge you to remain steadfast and upbeat knowing that we have protected your votes and based on the “real numbers” within our database, President George Manneh Weah has convincingly won these elections. I repeat, President George Manneh Weah has convincingly won these elections.

“Do not be swayed by propaganda Facebook posts from opposition actors whose only intent is to create confusion and wreak havoc in the face of their imminent loss.

“As a responsible party, we will wait on the final results from the NEC though we are already in possession of our own very credible and convincing numbers which confirm the victory of the Mighty CDC,” Gbala intimated.

Comments are closed.