Monrovia – The Collaborating Political Parties (CPP), comprised of the Alternative National Congress (ANC) and the Liberty Party (LP), has marked the conclusion of their collaboration with a blend of solemn reflection and celebration.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh – [email protected]
At a formal ceremony commemorating the end of the CPP on Monday, former chairman Musa Hassan Bility acknowledged that while the CPP did not secure the presidency, it successfully achieved its goal of collaboration.
“We’re happy that the special purpose vehicle that we put together for the purpose of participating in the 2023 elections has lived its life span and today marks the end of the existence of the CPP as it exists on paper,” he said at a ceremony marking the dissolution of the CPP on Monday.
Bility rallied the opposition community to stick together to hold the current government led by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung accountable.
“Our vision for Liberia has not changed, and our determination to see a better Liberia has not changed. We also want to say that the opposition must remain in position and as chairman of the Liberty Party, I want to reiterate the Liberty Party’s commitment to opposition collaboration,” he said.
The initial CPP, a conglomeration of the All Liberian Party, Alternative National Congress, Liberty Party and the Unity Party split along the way due to disagreement over who to lead the merger as its presidential candidate. The division was marred by a bitter legal wrangling that led to breakaway of the ALP and UP. The LP also suffered a bitter legal battle that led to the expulsion of some top officials including Senator Nyonblee Karngar Lawrence (now Senate Pro Tempore) and Senator Darius Dillon.
Rep. Bility, who maintains his position as National Chairman of the Liberty Party, referring to the split in the CPP, said the LP will not collaborate with the ruling establishments, who he blamed for masterminding the split within the CPP.
“We want to announce to the public that the Liberty party is not, and will not be a full government political party…The Liberty Party will be an opposition political party. Fortunately, and unfortunately, those who masterminded the demise and the turbulent exercise… are in power today. We want them to know that we will hold them accountable for every action they take as they steer the state of our state. We want them to know that the opposition is here, we will remain here, and we will hold the government accountable.”
The event was attended by leaders of several opposition political parties including the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), Liberian People Party (LPP) headed by renowned lawyer Cllr. Tiawan Gongloe, the Movement for Progressive Change (MPC) of businessman Simeon Freeman.
Addressing the opposition community, Bility said the end of the CPP is the beginning of a renewed commitment to opposition collaboration. He said leaders of the defunct CPP saw it prudent not to extend the framework owing to the challenges it encountered, but to dissolved it and create room for a plausible and stronger collaboration.
“Let us all use this time, all the experiences, all the failures of opposition unification, political Party collaboration. Let’s use it to devoid a stronger, a better and more purposeful political union. Without you- opposition, our democracy will fail. Without you, this government will sink us unless you hold it accountable for its action. Therefore, let us form a renewed commitment to opposition unity. It is still far to talk about collaboration but we must corroborate our efforts in tackling the ills of government and our society.”
In a sober speech, Alexander Cummings, the standard bearer of the defunct CPP, expressed hope for a united Liberia focused on national interests and combating corruption. Despite not winning the election, Mr. Cummings affirmed his commitment to advocating for the country’s welfare and holding the government accountable.
Said Cummings: “I am hopeful that we will put our country over party, and national interest over self-interest. I am hopeful that we will commit to changing not only the financial conditions of government officials and their families, but also the economic and social conditions of the Liberian people. I am hopeful that we will stop dividing our people and unite our nation. As the CPP draws the curtains today, this is my hope for our county, this is my hope for our people. And therefore, I will continue to be engaged and involved in espousing these hopes; holding the U.P led government to account and collaborating with all Liberians in the pursuit of these hopes that I have for Liberia.”
Throughout the 2023 presidential election, Cummings campaigned on the message to fight corruption and restore rule of law if he were elected. Cummings said although the CPP did not win the election, it did not lose its principles.
“We showed that as leaders, we can keep promises we make to the Liberian people regardless of the difficulties we are likely to face. We showed that our politics can be honorable, and that we can and must work with all Liberians across our differences in tribe, religion, gender, and party affiliation, for the inclusive development of our country,” he said.
Former Vice Standard Bearer, Cllr. Charlyne Brumskine, expressed gratitude to Mr. Cummings for entrusting her with the role of his running mate. She noted that by encouraging her to excel in her political journey, Mr. Cummings and their party were creating opportunities and inspiring women and young girls across Liberia, showing them that they too can take on leadership roles.
