Liberia: Ex-LBS Deputy Director Isaac Redd Begins Consultations on 2029 Jorquelleh District 3 Bid

GBARNGA, Bong County – Isaac Redd, former Deputy Director of the state-run Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS), says he is consulting family, friends and stakeholders at home and abroad on a possible run for the Jorquelleh District Three seat in Bong County in the 2029 elections.

By Selma Lomax, [email protected]

Speculation about his interest in the seat dates back to 2011.

In a telephone interview with FrontPage Africa on Wednesday, Redd said his consultations will run from October 1 to December 31. He said he will reach out in person or by phone to local and national political leaders of current and past regimes, local government officials, schoolmates, women’s and youth groups, and the Christian and Islamic communities.

He said the blessing of traditional leaders would be an advantage because they are “the custodians of power after God.”

The seasoned broadcaster said his ambition is rooted in a commitment to accelerate grassroots development, noting that the district has vast potential that requires purposeful leadership to unlock sustainable economic growth.

“If consultation goes the way that will require me being on the ballot, I will be offering myself to the people of Jorquelleh District Three because I believe our district, because of its geopolitical location in the county and country, has enormous economic potential that can be fully translated into tangible opportunities for our people,” Redd said.

“My interest is not simply about seeking a political position; it is about contributing to a process of grassroots transformation where ordinary citizens can see meaningful improvements in their communities. I want to work with the people to identify the challenges affecting them, prioritize the areas that require urgent attention, and pursue practical solutions that can create opportunities for young people, women, farmers, businesses and communities.”

Asked about his political affiliation, Redd said his support base is the people, not a single party. He claimed support from the National Patriotic Party (NPP), Unity Party (UP) and Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), which he attributed to the way he has conducted his professional career and his simple lifestyle.

He said his 13 years at the Capitol Building, where he served as Director of Press of the House of Representatives, gave him insight into the needs of the people. He said the district and county need leaders who listen and give rather than take, and who can turn community concerns into concrete initiatives.

“To me, leadership is not about occupying an office or carrying a title. Leadership is about accepting responsibility for the people who have entrusted you with their confidence,” he said. “I believe a representative must be accessible, responsive and prepared to account for the decisions being made in the interest of the district.”

He said he would promote a culture of accountability and responsiveness if elected, and that leadership should be centered on service rather than the prestige of public office. He added that his aspiration rests on divine guidance and the will of the people.

“Jorquelleh District Three cannot depend indefinitely on the same challenges that have held back the progress of many rural communities,” he said. “We have people with skills, farmers with the capacity to produce, young people with ideas and communities with resources, but these strengths must be connected to opportunities. I want to contribute to a vision that encourages local economic activity, supports agriculture and creates pathways for young people to participate meaningfully in the economy.”

Redd served Bong County as the first war-time manager of Voice of Gbarnga, now Radio Gbarnga, in 1998, and is a graduate of the Tubman Gray School. Politically, he was one of the lead voices of the 2020 Special Elections for Senator Prince Moye, serving as Project Officer. He resigned three years after Senator Moye’s election.