MONROVIA – An atmosphere of celebration and unwavering support engulfed Monrovia on Wednesday as thousands of women, including CPP Women auxiliaries, market and business women, mobilization committees, and extended support groups of the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP), marched in solidarity for presidential candidate Alexander Cummings and his running mate, Charlyne Brumskine.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh – [email protected]
This powerful demonstration of support marked the buildup to the CPP’s “pre-victory launch” scheduled for Sunday at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium (ATS) in Monrovia.
Led by Mrs. Theresa Cummings and Madam Mai Urey, the ex-wife of Benoni Urey, the procession commenced at the Fish Market and continued through Sinkor, culminating at the CPP headquarters.
Addressing the enthusiastic women, Mr. Cummings expressed his gratitude for their unwavering support and issued a resounding call for all Liberians who yearn for a “real change” to attend the rally on Sunday, October 1st, followed by casting their votes on October 10th to usher in a brighter Liberia. He pledged to improve education, healthcare, and access to loans for market women, emphasizing their critical role as the foundation and backbone of Liberia.
“I promised you that when we win, we will change Liberia. The women of Liberia are the foundation and backbone of Liberia. And we have to look after them. Another group is the young people,” Cummings said.
“President Weah was a good football player. But this time he is a fecee (not a good) President. So on October, let give him a red card,” he added as he flaunted a symbolic red card to the enthusiastic crowd.
The rally attendees joined Cummings in reciting what has come to be known as the Cummings’ pledge for a better Liberia: “I believe in myself, I believe in a better Liberia. I believe that we deserve a better Liberia. I believe if we work hard, if we work together, and vote for Alexander Cummings and Cllr. Charlyne Brumskine on October 10, we can create a better Liberia.”
Over the weekend, the CPP decided to reschedule its rally to October 1st, deviating from the initial plan of holding it on October 6th next month. Cummings attributed this change to communication from the National Elections Commission, which informed them that three other political parties had also planned rallies for the same day. In the spirit of constructive engagement and avoiding conflicts with other political events, Cummings said as an opposition leader that is committed to a different approach, chose to shift the rally date to October 1st.
Cummings expressed his anticipation that the upcoming CPP rally would fill the Antoinette Tubman Stadium in Central Monrovia. He emphasized that this gathering would serve as a resounding message of Liberians’ desire for a new and capable leadership, one that could address their long-standing grievances and lead the nation towards prosperity. Cummings encouraged all Liberians to attend in large numbers, proudly displaying red, green, and white attire as a symbol of their support for meaningful change.
Earlier, Vice Standard Bearer Cllr. Charlyne Brumskine rallied the women to stand firm in their support for a “new Liberia” by casting their votes for Cummings and her on October 10th. She passionately urged young women to prioritize education over early marriage and childbearing. In addition, she called on the women not only to support the presidential ticket but also to back the CPP’s legislative aspirants.
CPP Gains Momentum with Support from Teachers and Youths
The CPP, comprising the Alternative National Congress (ANC) and the Liberty Party (LP) of the late Cllr. Charles Brumskine, stands as one of the largest opposition political alliances in the upcoming elections.
With less than two weeks remaining until the polls and less than a week until their “grand” rally, over 200 teachers from the Paynesville Teachers Association and nearly youths from the “Conscience Minded Youths For Real Change” have pledged their unwavering support for Alexander Cummings’ presidential bid. They are determined to mobilize Liberians to ensure victory for the CPP on October 10th.
In statements of support, the spokesperson for the Paynesville Teachers Association commended Cummings for his commitment to enhancing the educational system through teacher training and adequate compensation. They praised his dedication to increasing financial support for education if elected President and vowed to rally both teachers and students behind the CPP.
The Conscience-Minded Youths For Real Change spoke of the urgent need for genuine change that would improve the living conditions of the country’s citizens. They expressed confidence in Cummings’ professional integrity and his ability to create jobs and revitalize the economy.
These youths, who are also executive members of the Council of Patriots (COP) grassroots movement led by activist Henry P. Costa, promised to rally fellow young Liberians and vigorously campaign for Cummings, whom they believe is the most qualified and competent among the 21 presidential contenders in the 2023 race for the Executive Mansion.
George Wisner, Montserrado County Campaign Chairman for the CPP, received the statements of support on behalf of Cummings. He expressed gratitude to the Paynesville Teachers Association and the Conscience Minded Youths For Real Change for their commitment to mobilizing support for Cummings’ presidential bid. As a gesture of welcome to the CPP, each member received a CPP T-shirt.
Wisner encouraged members of both groups, as well as all Liberians, to join the CPP Victory Rally on October 1st at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium in Monrovia. He emphasized the growing excitement among Liberians and the extensive preparations underway, which he believes will lead to a successful Victory Rally and mark the beginning of real and genuine change in Liberia.