Gbarnga, Bong County — In a recent New Year address broadcast across Bong County’s community radio stations, Senator Prince Moye left listeners with more questions than answers regarding his political future, particularly his potential candidacy in the 2029 elections.
By Selma Lomax, [email protected]
During the broadcast, Moye’s responses to inquiries about his political trajectory only deepened speculation, failing to offer any clear direction.
When FrontPageAfrica’s editor, Selma Lomax, asked Moye whether he was considering a vice-presidential run in 2029 — possibly as a running mate to Vice President Jeremiah Koung — the senator remained cryptic. “I played a key role in the selection of Jeremiah Koung when he was chosen by Joseph Boakai in 2023. I know what it takes to become a running mate. It’s not about sitting in this studio to declare your ambition. Politically, you have access as time progresses. Remember, we are in the first month of 2025 — we still have a long way to go. All I want to do now is work for my people, and that’s my commitment,” Moye responded.
When pressed further about his intentions regarding re-election as senator in 2029, Moye deflected with a smile, saying, “Lomax, when the real time comes, we will discuss that. Is my response satisfactory?”
His refusal to offer a definitive answer only fueled growing uncertainty surrounding his political future.
For many residents of Bong County, Moye’s hesitation to clarify his plans adds to the speculation regarding his next political move.
Some believe Moye, who will have served 18 years in public office by 2029 — seven years as a representative for District Two and nine years as a senator — may pursue a vice-presidential nomination alongside Vice President Koung.
Others suggest that Moye could seek re-election, positioning himself to become the longest-serving political figure in Bong County’s recent history with a total of 27 years in office.
Even Moye’s closest allies are unsure about his future ambitions. Many of his associates, when asked privately, admit they cannot predict his next move.
Moye is known for keeping his political cards close to his chest. In April 2018, when FrontPageAfrica inquired about his extensive charitable work across Bong County, Moye sidestepped questions about his political future. At the time, he was distributing aid to underserved communities. When asked about a possible Senate bid in 2020, he responded evasively: “Being a representative of District Two in Bong County doesn’t mean I shouldn’t attend programs in other parts of the county when I’m invited. I continue to receive invitations across the county, and it’s just a matter of time before I begin attending those events.” He provided no further comment on his political goals.
Just months later, however, Moye surprised the local political scene by accepting a petition from Bong County residents to challenge incumbent Senator Henry Yallah, a longtime ally. Yallah later claimed Moye had previously promised to serve as his campaign manager.
Moye’s decision to challenge Yallah in the 2020 race marked a significant shift in Bong County’s political landscape.
A History of Political Strategy and Influence
Though the 2029 elections are still years away, political analysts believe Moye’s experience and influence make him a formidable contender in any future race.
Moye played a crucial role as campaign manager for the Unity Party during the 2023 presidential election, helping secure the election of Joseph Boakai as president. Since then, Moye has leveraged his political influence to ensure that Bong County natives hold prominent government positions — a feat not seen under former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor’s tenure during the George Weah administration.
Notable Bong County natives appointed to senior government roles through Moye’s influence include Bill McGill Jones (Deputy Minister for Administration, Ministry of Finance), Martha Morris (Deputy Minister for Administration, Ministry of Health), Moses Gbanyan (Deputy Minister, Ministry of Agriculture), Nyekeh Forkah (Deputy Minister for Administration, Ministry of Education, and Christopher Sankolo, Director General, Liberia Agriculture Commodity Regulatory Authority, LACRA.
Moye’s influence has also been evident in local development projects. For instance, Deputy Minister Jones collaborated with Moye September last year to break ground on a youth center in Sergeant Kollie Town, Suakoko District, which will feature state-of-the-art facilities. Similarly, Deputy Minister Gbanyan has overseen the establishment of another youth center in District One, while Deputy Minister Morris has provided tuition assistance to students in District Three.
These efforts starkly contrast the situation under the Weah administration, where Bong County natives in high-ranking government positions were largely disengaged from their communities until 2022, a year before the 2023 presidential election.
Moye’s push for Bong County officials to actively engage with their home districts reflects his broader strategy of bringing government closer to the people. “Let the locals feel your impact as a government official,” Moye said. “The little you do for your people can make a significant impact because not everyone can have a job in government.”
Shaping Bong County’s Electoral Landscape
Moye’s approach stands in stark contrast to the disengagement of Bong County officials during the Weah administration. Political observers speculate that the lack of visible involvement from these officials may have contributed to President Weah’s narrower-than-expected victory in Bong County during the 2023 presidential elections, despite significant government investments in the region.
Analysts argue that Bong County, home to former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor, could have provided a more solid base for Weah’s re-election if local leaders had been more actively involved with their constituencies.
With 2029 on the horizon, all eyes are now on Prince Moye. Whether he seeks re-election as senator, pursues a vice-presidential candidacy alongside Vice President Koung, or follows a different path, Moye’s political influence and strategic acumen will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping Bong County’s future and Liberia’s broader political trajectory.
