By: Frank P. Martin
MONROVIA: The Headquarters of the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), was politically charged on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, when about 50 members of the 54th National Legislature endorsed the re-election bid of incumbent President George Manneh Weah.
The endorsement program brought together incumbent lawmakers of the ruling CDC and opposition lawmakers, all of whom vowed to campaign for President Weah to be re-elected come October 10, this year.
Under the watchful eyes of President George Weah, who is also Standard Bearer of the Governing CDC, about 50 Members from both the Senate(Upper House) and House of Representatives(Lower House) of Liberia’s Bicameral Legislature, on Tuesday reaffirmed their support to the reelection bid of President Weah, a former global soccer legend, turned politician.
At the colorful event held at the CDC headquarters in Congo Town, Monrovia, the Lawmakers whose number constitutes a huge bloc of the National Legislature want Weah to continue the many developmental projects across the country that his Administration initiated since his historic ascendancy to the Liberian Presidency.
Thousands of zealous partisans and sympathizers of the CDC as well as ordinary citizens and residents watched the Lawmakers pledging their unwavering commitment and support to the re-election of Weah, a former United Nations (UN) Goodwill Ambassador who also served as Liberia’s Peace Ambassador during the erstwhile regime of former President of Liberia, and first female President on the African Continent, Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
The Lawmakers said they made their decision “on the basis of “transformational trajectory” that, according to them, President Weah and the CDC have taken since assuming the leadership of the country.
Julie Fatoma-Weah, Lofa District#3 Representative, an Independent Lawmaker, reading the statement of endorsement on behalf her colleagues, said they, as
Lawmakers of the 54th National Legislature cannot sit supinely to witness such momentous and people-centered developmental path of the nation within just five years under President Weah’s leadership without seeking for his re-election on October 10, 2023.
“In the midst of numerous challenges, we gathered not to show mere political strength but to assure you, Mr. President, of a resounding and a one-round victory comes October 10, 2023,” Representative Fatoma-Weah declared as jubilant crowd of CDC supporters chanted slogans such as “Twelve-year is sure!”, “Weah all-the-Way”, among others.
Addressing the well-attended occasion, President Pro-Tempore of the Senate, Professor Albert Tugbeh Chie told the surging crowd: “It is better we help to change Liberia for the benefit of all than to spoil our beloved country by joining any group of people. We have to protect the image of Liberia and the unprecedented development carried out under President Weah”.
Accepting the endorsement, Weah, who is well known as a “Populist President, responded that he was more than delighted and proud to see almost the entire membership of the Liberian Legislature endorsing his reelection bid and the work of the governing CDC.
“This endorsement is not just a seal of approval for our policies and programs; it is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the Liberian people,” the Liberian leader noted.
He used the occasion to welcome all newcomers who have joined the Coalition for Democratic Change, saying “the CDC is not merely a political party; it is a beacon of hope and progress for all Liberians. Within our ranks, there is space for every citizen, regardless of their party affiliation. Together, we will build a stronger and more prosperous Liberia.”
The endorsement of Weah’s reelection bid by the 50 plus Lawmakers comes just weeks after Legislative Staffers of the House of Representatives pledged their unreserved support for him to seek another second six-year constitutional term. The Liberian President’s first six-year constitutional term would end in October this year.
The CDC is now enjoying influx of lawmakers and other opposition politicians as the country fast moves towards the crucial October polls.
Weeks ago, more than six opposition political parties endorsed the reelection bid of President Weah.
The situation, according to keen political observers and analysts, speaks volumes about the numerous deliverables by the CDC-led government, headed by George Weah, who is also former Senator of votes-rich Montserrado County.
Analysts are also of the view that such decisions by the lawmakers and political parties are crucial in keeping Liberia in saved hands as diametrically opposed to placing the country into the hands of those who are always fighting among themselves for self-serving political gains, and at the expense of the vast majority of the suffering masses.
