PAYNESVILLE – With the upcoming presidential and legislative elections just two months away, political parties are ramping up their campaign efforts nationwide, drawing large crowds to rallies characterized by musical performances and speeches.
By: Gerald C. Koinyeneh – [email protected]
However, Alexander Cummings, the standard bearer of the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP) , unlike his rivals’ tactics, has taken a distinctive approach to his 2023 campaign activities in Montserrado by personally visiting voters in their communities and engaging with them directly. On this tour, he has been accompanied by enthusiastic supporters, many of whom rush to embrace him for hugs, handshakes, and fist bumps.
“We find out that the Jehovah Witnesses-styled campaigning is the most effective style of campaigning because it leaves a lasting impression on the person, ” said Lafayette Horatio Gould, Spokesperson of the CPP national campaign team.
“In these big rallies, people don’t often get to ask questions. They just assemble and talk down [supporters]. It is good to interact and ask [electorate] personal questions and feel them for yourself. That is why we are choosing that side of campaigning, particularly in the urban area.”
Since the launch of his campaign a little over a fortnight ago, Mr. Cummings and his entourage have visited several communities and have had a one-on-one conversation with residents including youths, first-time voters, and the elderly.
On Wednesday, Cummings continued his community engagement in Montserrado County District #9. He was greeted by a jubilant crowd that chanted pro-Cummings slogans and marched along with him and the CPP Representative candidate in District #9 Fubbi Henries.
Twenty presidential candidates are participating in this year’s elections, the fourth straight polls since the end of the civil war two decades ago. Opinion polls by both electronic and print media organizations placed Cummings amongst top major contenders including incumbent President George Weah, former Vice President Joseph Nyumah Boakai and renowned human lawyer, Cllr. Tiawan Gongloe.
These candidates, along with their supporters, are employing all strategies to woo voters. However, some have been criticized for inducing their crowds. Recently, an executive committee member of the governing CDC, Chief Cyril Allen, criticized his party’s campaign team for allegedly trucking supporters to their campaign rallies in western Liberia.
The CPP said its strategy is intended to connect directly with the electorate.
“This strategy (Jehovah Witnesses-style) is most effective because it presents a personal touch to the campaign. It allows people to be in touch with the candidates that they will be voting for. It also gives the candidate the opportunity to experience some of the realities people are faced with in the communities,” Gould, former Chairman of the Alternative National Congress said.
Last week, Mr. Cummings, accompanied by his running mate, Cllr. Charlyne Brumskine marched alongside first-time voters in District #6, seeking their support for both himself and CPP representative candidate, Mr. Martin Kollah.
The community interaction, spanning over four hours, commenced from GSA Road Junction near ELWA Junction, extending to the intersection connecting GSA Road with Duport Road and Rehab. During the tour, Cummings and Brumskine distributed campaign materials, including stickers and flyers, and held conversations with a diverse group of voters, including the elderly, first-time voters, motorbike and Keke riders, as well as taxi drivers.
Hundreds of predominantly first-time voters joined Cummings and Cllr. Brumskine, displaying banners and chanting pro-Cummings slogans. Addressing the first-time voters, Cummings urged them to believe in their ability to bring about real change and encouraged them to cast their votes in support of himself, Brumskine, and Kollah.
The CPP strategy appears to be resonating well with voters. “We appreciate Cummings for coming to us. He is the first candidate to walk through our community and to talk to us directly. I was not his supporter. But for this reason, I am his fan now,” said Israel Kollie, a resident of GSA Road in Paynesville.
Joshua Davies, an ardent Cummings’ supporter and a first-time voter said he is impressed with his (Cummings) track record, and with his experience, he is confident that if given the opportunity, Cummings will be a great president.
Said Davies: “I am always fascinated by Mr. Cummings. Looking at his record. Coming from Liberia and becoming Vice President of one of the largest private companies in the world tells you that he can lead and serve in any position and succeed. That’s why I am supporting him.”
National campaign spokesperson Gould said he is optimistic the CPP will deliver this time. “We have a clear pathway to victory. This will be a consequential election, no doubt, it will be very competitive. But we are engaging our supporters.”
He is hopeful that voters will choose Cummings over his nearest rivals.
“for those who have not made up their mind, it suggests that they will put a lot of thought into it. For the UP [Unity Party], they represent second chance, the CDC represents second chance. We are the only real change. We are very likely to be in a runoff.