MONROVIA –Dressed in their regular blue party regalia under an unfavorable weather condition, hundreds of partisans and supporters of the governing Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) have recommitted to a one-round victory for incumbent President George Manneh Weah, but expressed skepticism that the party may not be supported by many opposition political parties during a possible presidential run-off elections.
By Obediah Johnson
Liberians will this Tuesday, October 10 go to the polls to elect their new leaders.
President Weah is seeking re-election in the presidential race comprising of 19 other contenders, including former Vice President Joseph Nyuma Boakai of the opposition Unity Party (UP).
The 1986 Liberian constitution requires a presidential candidate to obtain more than fifty percent of the total number of valid votes cast before being declared winner of the presidential elections.
Since 1997, no political party or candidate has obtained an absolute majority win (50 plus one vote) to win the Liberian presidency. However, both the ruling CDC and the opposition Unity Party (UP) of former Vice President Joseph Nyuma Boakai have been assuring their supporters of a first round victory.
During a pre-victory match to climax the campaign of the CDC on Sunday, October 8, scores of partisans and supporters expressed confidence that the party will win the first round of voting.
They vowed to turn out en masse and cast their ballots to ensure that the elections do not go for a second round; something which they believe would witness the ganging up of opposition political parties, to replace President Weah.
According to them, the best way to guarantee the re-election of President Weah is to prevent a second round and as such, they remain fully prepared and ready to convince others to come on board and defeat the opposition.
The CDC partisans and supporters are not confident of luring key opposition political parties or politicians to the ruling party if there is a run-off.
As a result of this, they prefer galvanizing support from the grassroot level to ensure a win for President Weah during the first round of voting, instead of waiting for opposition support if a run-off takes place.
They outlined several reasons why President Weah should retain the presidency during the first round of voting, ranging from development, road sustenance of peace, but expressed fear that a possible run-off could delay or slim his chances of winning overwhelmingly.
In an interview with FrontPage Africa, Augustine Mensah, described as “jokers” those with the perception that President Weah has not done enough for Liberia and as such, he should not be re-elected.
He believed that the Liberian leader will “take the lead” in these elections.
“We want for President Weah to retain the presidency because he brought peace to our nation. There is no bloodshed this time around. He provided estates for us in the Borough of New Kru Town and he is building our roads. Why should people say he will not make it? We believe that he is the only one to develop this nation. We want him to win the first round straight. Whether opposition supports us or not, we are going for straight first round.”
Theresa Tweh, 62, stated: “We want President Weah to win this elections in the first round and help fix our roads in Sinoe County. Whether they will support us or not, we want President Weah to win the first round.”
Cecelia Badio, 21, expressed the hope that many opposition political parties may support the CDC if President Weah wins most of the votes during the first round. However, she expressed uncertain that the votes may not be in favor of the CDC if the opposition wins the first round.
“We want to give the opposition one blow; we are more than them and so, they can’t beat us. We don’t want any second round; we are going for first round victory”
“I want him (Weah) to win the first round or the second round. If the opposition cannot support us the second round, we should win the first round,” Varnette Seh, 18, stated.
Supporters and partisans of the CDC want President Weah to intensify his efforts in carrying out infrastructural developments, especially road connectivity in the leeward areas.
They named education, health and agriculture as key areas that should be given more attention.
They observed that the Liberian leader has not totally won the fight against corruption and drug trafficking, despite the efforts being applied by his government to address these ills.
Tete Dixon, 48, observed that corruption remains high in the public sector.
This, she added, continue to deprive Liberians from properly benefitting from the resources of their country.
“I want the President to win first round; this election can’t go to second round because, we are the masses behind him. If he wins again, I want him to be able to deal with corruption mainly because; corruption is very, very high.”
Jeffery Nyepan, 65, called for the Liberian leader to prioritize roads connectivity if he wins the elections during the first round.
He observed that better roads will help boom economic activities and put money into the pockets of local farmers.
John Saah, 22, described President Weah as a “God-sent leader” who has come to redeem the nation.
According to him, citizens should desist from what he termed as “opposition talks” and cast their votes based upon the reality.
“We want first round; this is what makes us to be mighty. There is no mighty vote for second round. In Lofa County, people used to pay L$5000 each to go Foya, but now, I can pay L$2500. We have the most beautiful town hall there now. If President Weah wins, we will see more development.”