Monrovia – Alexander Cummings, standard bearer of the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP) is upbeat about his chances to make it to the second round of the presidential election.
Cummings, speaking to the media after he cast his vote at the Matadi Community school in Sinkor said he is confident of making it to the second round, but reaffirmed his commitment to accept the election results that will reflect the will of his fellow Liberians.
“I am very sure that we will make the runoff. I am very confident that there will be a runoff, and we will be one of the two candidates in the runoff,” Cummings said right after he cast his ballot.
Cummings is among 20 presidential candidates vying in today’s elections. Though there have been no official opinion polls, observers say he is among the top four candidates alongside incumbent President George Weah of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), former Vice President Joseph Boakai of the Unity Party (UP) and Cllr. Tiawan Gongloe of the Liberian People Party (LPP).
The CDC and UP each has predicted a one-round victory. But Cummings has rubbished the one-round Victory mantra and said there will likely be a runoff.
He reaffirmed his commitment to accepting a credible result and called on every Liberian to be peaceful as they exercise their franchise.
“I am excited about today. I am excited about Liberia. I know Liberians will make the right decision about our country. Let’s be patient, peaceful, and do it nonviolently. And let the elections reflect the will of the people. We will accept the results that will reflect the will of the people.”
Voter complain of ‘slow process’
Meanwhile, at the Matadi Community School voting precinct in Montserrado District #9 where the CPP standard bearer cast his vote, voters complained that the process is at a slow pace due to a single door that is being used as entry and exit points. According to polling staff, the Principal locked the back door of the school building that should have been used as exit and took away the keys on grounds that she wants to safeguard the school’s documents.
FPA ahas not been able to get in touch with the principal for response, but voters and community members confirmed the polling staff’s claim.
Voters complained that the crowd congestion may lead to violence if nothing is done to speed up the process.
Faryiah Williams said he joined the queue since 6am this morning but he has not voted.
Another voter, name withheld, said the polling staff are not giving the elderly, pregnant women and baby mothers first preference because of the crowd congestion.