By: E. Geedahgar Garsuah
MONROVIA: In an effort to expand its political base for the reelection of incumbent President George Manneh Weah in October, 2023, the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) has formally signed a Collaboration Agreement with six new political parties in the country.
The signing ceremony was held over the weekend at the Headquarters of the Movement for Economic Empowerment (MOVEE), in Paynesville, outside Monrovia. MOVEE is one of the six parties joining the CDC.
Political parties that affixed signatures to the document of Grand Coalition for Democratic Change are; the United People’s Party (UPP), the People’s Liberation Party (PLP), the Congress for Democratic Alliance (CDA), the Union of Liberian Democrats (ULD), the Movement for Economic Empowerment (MOVEE) and the RDC.
Signing on behalf of their respective political parties were, Jonathan Mason, Political Leader of ULD; Dee Maxwell Saah Kemayah, Political Leader MOVEE; PLP Political Leader, Tapple E. Doe; Victor Saydee, Political Leader, CDA; Madam Susan Lewis, National Chairperson, UPP.
President George Manneh Weah, speaking minutes after the formal presentation of the six parties which was done by Moses Y. Kollie, National Chairman of the Liberia People’s Democratic Party (LPDP), lauded the new parties for committing themselves to the national growth and development drive.
President Weah: “It is my pleasing duty, therefore, on behalf of the members and chairman of the CDC, and in my own capacity as standard bearer to welcome all of you to our coalition. Let me state how happy I am that you have placed trust in the CDC which signifies that you believe that our vision for this nation aligned with yours.”
The President said the six political parties’ decision to come on board in support of his reelection quest is in the right direction.
Weah told the gathering that such decision is in obedience to their sacred duty as patriotic citizens who want the best for Liberia.
“Ladies and gentlemen, what you did today shows your seriousness for your own country. You have made no mistake. The CDC is pressing for national development, and we must keep this momentum,” he said.
He reminded the new COALITION members that the CDC seeks the general welfare of the Liberian people, which is also the mantra of the Pro-poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development (PAPD).
“By joining the CDC you have honored a patriotic duty and I will make sure that you are comfortable in your new home. But, as you know, we are a party formed to promote the interest of the Liberian people, this is paramount in everything we do, and this is a fundamental pillar of our Pro-poor agenda. We will therefore endeavor to acquaint you with the principles and ideology of the CDC as we work collaboratively to achieve our shared goals,” President Weah stated.
According to Weah, with the coming on board of the six parties in addition to the massive national development success the government has accrued in the last five years, which includes tuition free policy, improved infrastructures and the construction of over 100 kilometers of roads, the CDC is now an indomitable force to reckon with at the October’s polls.
“Today, we constitute a nine member strong political bloc for bettering the lives of the Liberian people. Our Grand Coalition will be an indomitable force,” the Liberian Leader asserted.
Meanwhile, President Weah has informed member parties of the Grand Coalition that there exist accommodation for likeminded parties and individuals to come on boards aimed at ensuring the CDC is provided a second chance at the nation’s highest seat.
He made known his strong belief in unity amidst diversity as the surest path for Liberia to attain higher heights in its quest to be a competing nation in the global community.
According to the President, CDC has been a political grassroots movement that emboldened the hope and aspirations of the downtrodden masses since its formation over a decade ago, while vowing that this is a sacred duty the party will always endeavor to champion.
President Weah: “Fellow members of the Grand Coalition, I want you to know that there is still room for everyone in our coalition. We will continue to build on existing alliances even as we build new ones.
Weah: “It is my belief that the diverse Unions such as the one we are signing up for today presents a diverse prospect of our politics which are crucial for national development and reconciliation.”
Weah: “CDC is the party for the masses, and it has always been since the time of its founding. It is a grassroots movement that emboldens the hope of the ordinary people,” President Weah concluded.
