Gbarnga, Bong County – Ahead of today’s senatorial by-election in Bong County, key political actors in the county who are supporting the two leading candidates, District Three lawmaker Josiah Marvin Cole of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) and former Cuttington University president Dr. Henrique Tokpa intensified campaigns in a last-minute effort to win voters to their side.
Report by Selma Lomax, [email protected]
Though today’s poll is taking place in one of the populated counties in the country with over 200,000 registered voters, it is one exercise that could literally shake the nation and redefine her politics ahead of 2023 presidential election.
And if the build-up to the election is anything to go by, then Liberians are surely going to be treated to one of the most classical and intriguing game of politics. Expectedly, all the political actors involved must be on top of their game.
Although Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor, whose vacancy is being contested for, who has the history of beating Tokpa, is not on the ballot, she appears no doubt faced with what could be regarded as the “battle of her life” in the contest, the outcome of which may make or mar her politically.
This understandably may be responsible for why she appears to be staking everything to ensure that Cole secures victory today.
‘Proxy political war’
The senatorial by-election is therefore viewed by some people as a ‘proxy war’ between the Vice President Taylor and Deputy Speaker Prince Moye of electoral district two in Bong County.
The calculation is that Vice President Taylor will do everything possible to clip the political wings of Tokpa, who is being supported by Moye.
Vice President Taylor and Moye’s political differences started during the electioneering that preceded the 2014 senatorial election as the District Two lawmaker threw his weight behind Tokpa.
Uncertain race
The debate is about who will win the election. The two leading candidates in the race have already climaxed their campaigns.
Citizens of Bong County seem to be faced with the choices they are familiar with as the race is, in the main, between Tokpa and Cole.
The electorates have a rare opportunity of making an informed choice based on the scorecards of the candidates.
Tuesday’s by-election in Bong County is a battle of interests, relevance and political survival.
The battle of Suakoko District
This remains the battle ground for the election as Tokpa and Cole are from Suakoko District. Tokpa is favored to win in Suakoko District, Karyarta – his native hometown with 212 registered voters.
Cole on the other hand might win Sergeant Kollie Town, Gbondui – his native town and Phebe compound after bagging several endorsements in those areas in recent weeks.
Being backed by a two-term senator and Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor is an impetus for the realization of his senatorial election, according to political pundits.
Cole traversed many towns and villages, seeking votes of the people of Bong County.
His campaign promises have been anchored on the need to elect a senator of the ruling party in Bong County.
“You can’t have the two senators from the opposition
Analysis of the two leading candidates
Henrique Tokpa, Independent Candidate
Strength: Belonging to the opposition bloc in the county, Henrique Tokpa enjoys massive support from Deputy Speaker Prince Moye and a host of sitting lawmakers in the county.
Through out the campaign, Moye is said to have pulled all manners of resources together for Tokpa.
The perception that Tokpa’s candidacy is strongly backed by Moye, Liberty Party, Alternative National Congress and Unity Party poses an intimidation to his opponents. And Moye didn’t hesitate to make a hill out of that fact.
Weakness: The perception of Tokpa being too elitist contributed to his loss in 2014, and it doesn’t appear much has changed.
Unlike Cole whose perceived populist ideology appeals to the locals, Tokpa, many think, is not connected to the grassroots. He claims he has learned his lessons.
Marvin Cole, CDC
Strength: Cole transversed many towns and villages, seeking the votes of Bong County electorate. His campaign promises were anchored on the continuation of the development he has started since he became lawmaker nearly seven months ago.
Weaknesses: Cole has been on the defensive throughout the campaign. Questions have been asked why he is the representative and wanting to contest the seat when the party he comes from claims of inheriting a broke economy.
Such concern could hurt his election.