By Our Staff Writer
MONROVIA: It appears that incumbent President George Manneh Weah is determined to ensure that Liberia’s democratic credentials are jealously upheld through the conduct of elections that meet global standards of fairness, transparency and credibility on October 10.
In a special statement issued recently on “Promoting Peaceful 2023 Elections,” which had as its Theme: “Building the Confidence of the Presidential Candidates in the Workings of the NEC”, organized by the National Elections Commission and its partners, including ECOWAS and UN-Liberia, President Weah recalled how far Liberia has come democratically in terms of peace since the end of “the dark days of conflict”.
The National Elections Commission (NEC), on Saturday, August 5, 2023, declared national political campaign opened for the October 10th Presidential and Legislative Elections.
Also, the Liberian leader challenged presidential candidates in the October 10 polls to make the interest of the Republic their highest priority.
He further indicated that the pending polls present Liberians with a unique opportunity to consolidate their democracy and showcase the country’s maturity in consolidating its hard-won peace.
The President said it will be honorable testament on the part of participating political parties and leaders, mainly presidential candidates, to their commitment to peace, security and democracy when Liberia conducts elections this year without a peacekeeping force on the ground.
The ruling CDC Political Leader, who is also seeking second six-year constitutional term urged candidates to lead by example by ensuring that “the electoral process is transparent and inclusive, thereby guaranteeing the unrestricted rights of every citizen to exercise their franchise peacefully.”
“As we approach the October 10th General and Presidential Elections, let us remember that the success of these elections does not exclusively rest with me or any single individual,” Weah said.
He added: “It requires the full and committed participation of all our citizens and the support of our friendly partners. Our collective interest in the well-being of Liberia must always remain paramount, even as we pursue our individual political ambitions.”
He described the recent meeting NEC held with Presidential candidates as a proud moment that must be embraced to demonstrate to the World that Liberians, as a Nation, are capable of holding credible and transparent elections on their own.
President Weah has reassured his fellow candidates and all Liberians that his administration, in collaboration with the National Elections Commission, will spare no effort in ensuring that the October 10th elections meet acceptable international standards.
He reaffirmed his determination to uphold the principles of democracy and provide a level playing field for all candidates and political parties.
“But, as your President, and Leader, I must remind you that the task of building a peaceful and prosperous Liberia requires the collective efforts of citizens, regardless of political affiliation,” he cautioned, calling on the candidates and other political actors to put aside their differences and unite for the greater good of the Liberian nation.
“We must all embrace dialogue, tolerance, and the spirit of national unity to overcome any challenges that may come our way,” he noted further.
The President also reminded all candidates in the elections that the Farmington River Declaration, which they recently signed, is not just a piece of paper but rather a solemn pledge to uphold the values of democracy, peace, and inclusivity through which they have promised the people of Liberia to create an environment that is free from violence and conducive to free and fair elections.