MONROVIA – Former President and football legend George Weah is facing backlash after stating that he has “passed the stage” of establishing a football academy in Liberia. 

By: Christopher C. Walker, christopherc.walker@frontpageafricaonline.com

The comments, made during the celebration of his son Timothy Weah’s birthday, have sparked disappointment among Liberians and football enthusiasts who expected him to invest more in the sport’s future in the country.

Weah, who served as Liberia’s president from 2018 to 2023, stated that his previous contributions to the national team and the sport were enough. 

He pointed to his financial support of the national team without government aid, asserting that his efforts made Liberia’s football the “greatest.”

However, many Liberians disagree with his assessment. Calvin Johnson criticized Weah’s claim, stating, “When did former President Weah make Liberia football the greatest? Liberia National Team never won any tournament or championship during Weah’s playing days. 

The last championship the national team won was in 1979.” Johnson also questioned the funding Weah provided, suggesting it was supported by the government of Charles Taylor.

Winston Mah, another critic, urged Weah to consider football as a business rather than a political tool. He wrote on Facebook, “Go and build an academy. It is a lucrative business.”

Others echoed similar concerns. Konneh Vini Jr. commented, “You are surviving on taxpayer funds, and here you are talking about someone else’s can’t do it. That is a higher level of childishness.”

Mamadee GV Kanneh, a concerned citizen, said Weah’s remarks have only led to disappointment. “If he is unwilling to invest in the future of Liberia’s youth through football, what does this say about his commitment to the country’s progress?” he asked.

Alieu Pusah also weighed in, writing, “He passed the age of ever coming near the presidency. From 2014 up till today, I believe that this brother cannot in any capacity be the hope for Liberia.”

Weah’s statement has sparked controversy, especially considering his role as chief patron of sports during his presidency. Under his leadership, the national football team struggled with travel expenses, and the Liberia Football Association (LFA) was left in significant debt.

Additionally, Weah faced criticism for not convincing his son, Timothy Weah, to represent Liberia on the national team —a decision many saw as a missed opportunity.

Monrovia — Grand Gedeh County Superintendent Alex Grant says the ambition of President George Manneh Weah and executives and supporters of his Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) to return to the presidency is a daydream that would never come to fruition.

By Obediah Johnson

Superintendent Grant is one of the founding members of the Liberian People Democratic Party (LPDP), which broke away from the CDC. He played a leading role to ensure the election of ex-President Weah during the 2017 general and presidential elections in Liberia.

He stated that though citizens and residents of Grand Gedeh overwhelmingly voted for Mr. Weah and the CDC in 2017, they have nothing to show for their support.

He made these comments in an interview with FrontPage Africa in Zwedru City recently.

Superintendent Grant emphasized that Mr. Weah and his immediate past government never had any developmental plan for Grand Gedeh and its citizens following its ascendancy to the Highest Seat of the land.

He noted that during the past six years, the healthcare system in the county was completely broken down due to lack of support from government, while pregnant women were dying while being transported to the only referral hospital in the region in Tappita due to deplorable road conditions.

Superintendent Grant expressed disappointment that the Weah led-administration failed to recognize the sacrifices made by Grand Gedeans who gave him the presidency in 2017

 “Yes Grand Gedeans supported CDC in 2017, but the CDC was not born in Grand Gedeh. The mouth that says hail him is the same mouth that will say crucify him; and we are ready for that. In Grand Gedeh County, make no mistake-when we give you love and you give us hate in return; when we bounce back, we are bouncing back with reinforcement. George Manneh Weah’s return to the presidency is a daydream. He’s free to contest but Grand Gedeh will not give him that support again. Just watch and see.”

Ingratitude

Superintendent Grant claimed that Mr. Weah and his government showed a high level of ingratitude to citizens of the county.

He added that a similar attitude was also shown to executives of the LPDP.

He pointed out that the establishment of the LPDP and its political marriage with the CDC brought investment, stability to the CDC and paved the way for Weah’s presidency.

“When we were going to the Coalition, we went with 15 brand new pick-ups, 150 motorbikes and they welcomed us with celebration. But what we got in return was ingratitude.”

“Politics is about what development plan you have. National development is not about guessing and you are from the South-east and you had the opportunity to change things around for your people. Our people and even me-we are disappointed.”

Voting on sectionalism

Superintendent Grant emphasized that citizens of the county voted President Weah for hailing from the south-eastern part of the country.

“The concept we had before was that, let’ support our son, why should we support Boakai? But Unity Party has proven to be a party of development in this county. UP came with the spirit of nationalism, putting behind all forms of hatred; reconciliation was her focus point. The community college and the university we have in Grand Gedeh today were under the UP government.”

Prices of cocoa dropped

Speaking further, Superintendent Grant observed that the prices of produce, especially cocoa have drastically reduced in the county as a result of the road rehabilitation by the government.

“In six months if our road condition can improve and medication to our hospitals can become regular, what else can we say? Hospitals budgetary allotments have increased and why should we be doubting Thomases? We are very grateful to President Boakai and his government for their farsightedness.”

Superintendent Grant pointed out that grades A, B of cocoa and its substitutes are on sale for US$7, US$6 and US$5 respectively.

He noted that the grading system was introduced on the market by local farmers due to the competition among them following the rehabilitation of the road.

He said the prices of basic commodities are stable on the local market in the county as compared to the last five years.

“To get this road rehabilitated and we are moving in and out, it’s something that is rewarding to the society. The prices of commodities have dropped comparatively and the travel time to and from Monrovia to Zwedru have lessened. The difference in the prices of some goods in Monrovia is between L$50 to L$100 since the road was rehabilitated.”

Punitive actions

Superintendent Grant, however, vowed to ensure that punitive actions are taken against unscrupulous business owners hiking the prices of basic commodities in the county.

As part of efforts to actualize his plan, he disclosed that his office is currently working with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, to regulate the prices of major commodities in Grand Gedeh.

 “The business people will keep trying you, if you don’t respond, you will remain there. They are doing business to make profits and so, you too as a leader should be responsible to regulate prices.”

“For the road rehabilitation, our people are very appreciative; everyone is like poise to receive the earth moving equipment (yellow machines). In fact, right now, we are having conversations to appoint a committee that will be responsible for identifying small roads linking to the city.”

He stressed that local authorities in the county would work in line with the laws of the country to ensure that business owners arbitrarily increasing the prices of basic commodities to the detriment of residents in the county are made to pay for their actions.

Superintendent Grant further promised to continue to play a supervisory role towards the maintenance of the corridor between Ganta-Zwedru for the benefit of citizens.

He named connecting farms to market roads, sanitation, scouting out historic sites for tourism purposes, and agriculture, amongst others as his initial plans for the county.

Monrovia – Rev. Emmanuel Nimely, the 58-year-old religious advisor and pastor to Liberia’s former President George Weah, has confessed to defrauding 90 people out of $87,300 under the pretense of facilitating their travel to Australia.

By: Victoria G Wesseh, contributing writer

Nimely, who served as the religious advisor to former President Weah from 2016 to 2018, is currently the senior pastor of Weah’s Forkay Klon Church. Following his confession to the police, he was charged with theft of property and forwarded to court on Friday for prosecution.

At the Monrovia City Court, the defendant’s lawyer failed to secure a valid criminal bond for his temporary release. As a result, Nimely was ordered incarcerated at the Monrovia Central Prison, where he will remain until the appropriate bond is filed.

Court records obtained by FrontPage Africa reveal that Nimely allegedly committed the crimes in the ABC Community, Baptist Seminary in Paynesville between August 6, 2023, and December 2023. One of the victims, H. Momo Fortune, Jr., reported that he met Nimely on August 6, 2023. Nimely introduced himself as the pastor of Forkay Klon Church and the founder of the “Global Spiritual Cleansing Peace and Reconciliation Organization.”

During their meeting, Nimely deceitfully informed Fortune about a program called the “Healing Broken Hearts of Australia Reconciliation Conference and Crusade” and collected $3,500 from him under the pretense of providing an Australian visa for the conference. Fortune further reported that Nimely collected $970 each from over 80 people under the same pretense.

Nimely admitted to the allegations and explained that he had collected $970 per person as visa processing fees for the Australian conference. He confessed that, due to the failure to issue the visas and the inability to refund the money, the victims contacted the police, leading to his arrest and investigation.

The police investigation revealed that the Global Spiritual Cleansing Peace & Reconciliation Organization, established by Nimely, is a religious organization purportedly involved in conferences, prayer meetings, and teachings about peace and reconciliation. However, the investigation uncovered that the organization engaged in fraudulent activities, specifically organizing fake foreign conferences.

The investigation further revealed that Nimely orchestrated a scam visa program for a five-day conference scheduled in Australia from December 5 to 9, 2023. He created a false flyer with the images of the Liberian, Kenyan, and Australian flags, bearing the theme “Healing the Broken Hearts of Australian Reconciliation Conference & Crusade.”

Since news of the scandal broke, neither the office of former President George Weah nor his Forkay Klon Church has issued a statement. Meanwhile, Nimely will remain in pre-trial detention until his lawyer secures a valid criminal bond for his temporary release.

MONROVIA – Mulbah K. Morlu Jr., who recently resigned from his position as chairman of the former ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), has astutely advised the party’s standard bearer to assemble a team of proficient foreign policy experts to revitalize the party’s relations with Western capitals.

By Lennart Dodoo, ldodoo@frontpageafricaonline.com

In his resignation letter addressed to Weah, Morlu underscored the critical need for strategic engagement with capitals such as Washington, Brussels, and Number 10 Downing Street. He emphasized the importance of discussions aimed at rebuilding confidence and providing assurances to international partners regarding decisions made during their tenure.

“It is crucial to assemble a proficient team of foreign policy experts to engage with key Western capitals… These engagements should involve discussions regarding international decisions made during our tenure, aiming to rebuild confidence and provide assurances to our international partners,” the letter stated.

He stated that despite resigning from the party after serving for six years, he would remain committed to the CDC.

Morlu, however, lamented that he faced many difficulties during the CDC’s six-year rule, which ultimately forced him to resign. “I hold no resentment towards anyone for these difficulties, and I do not desire conflict,” he stated.

He added: “Throughout these trials, I am thankful to God for granting me the strength and patience to persevere. Despite the hardships, they are not the primary reason for my resignation.

“However, one factor influencing my decision is the diminishing opportunity for me to effectively fulfill my role as the People’s Chairman. As an advocate dedicated to supporting the people, it is disheartening to encounter constraints that limit my ability to carry out my responsibilities.

“Mr. Standard-bearer, however, after careful consideration, I have chosen to remain positive and continue contributing to the peace and stability of the CDC despite resigning from the chairmanship.”

Morlu noted that despite being the first militant for the former President when he first joined politics in 2005, he has often found himself in disagreements with him due to his “principles and love for the party”.

“I am proud that despite crucial hurdles, we have painstakingly kept the torch of the CDC burning, such that even those who didn’t believe in its efficiency now look up to it as the most potent political mechanism of redemption,” he said.

Morlu added: “Having served in various capacities over nearly two decades, I have diligently fulfilled my responsibilities, always with good intentions and without malice, even in my mistakes.

“Resigning from my position has undoubtedly been one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever faced, yet it was necessary to uphold the stability of the CDC and prevent any internal discord that could disappoint our loyal supporters, particularly the youth who have placed their trust in our party.”

In response, former President Weah expressed gratitude for Morlu’s service to the CDC over the years and acknowledged the inevitability of differing perspectives within democratic institutions.

“I note your mention of several instances of disagreements with me over the period of your chairmanship. Let me remind you that what you referred to as differences evolved from my insistence that we always show respect for our partisans, respect for our leaders, and respect, and adherence to the foundational tenets of the CDC,” ex-President Weah stated.

While affirming the CDC’s continued engagement with the international community, Weah stressed the party’s commitment to serving the interests of the Liberian people.

Two contradictory statements by Liberia’s new president Joseph Boakai and former President George Weah about how much the Weah-government left in the nation’s reserve have caught the attention of the 55^th Legislature.

By Gerald C. Koinyeneh – gerald.koinyeneh@frontpageafricaonline.com

On Tuesday, Plenary, the highest decision-making body of the House of Representatives voted to invite the Governor of the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL) and deputies to appear before it this Thursday to set the record straight.

Plenary’s action was prompted by requests made by two members of the House of Representatives, Ivar K. Jones (CDC, District #2, Margibi County) and Dixon W. Seibo (CDC, District #16, Montserrado County) in separate letters craving the indulgence of the House to invite the CBL Governor and his deputies to provide clarity over the conflicting statements of the two leaders.

“… I pray the indulgence of the plenary of the House of Representatives to invite the Governor of the Central Bank to address this serious national issue regarding the accuracy and consistency of the Government of Liberia’s Net International Reserves and Government of Liberia Consolidated Account balances as of December 31, 2023. January I9, 2024 and January 22, 2024 respectively,” and excerpt of the Rep. Jones’ letter stated.

Delivering his annual message, otherwise known as the state of the nation address, President Boakai said, contrary to former President George Weah’s claim that his administration left US$40 million in the country’s reserve, his administration inherited just US$20.5 million.

In his farewell address to the nation, President Weah bragged that his administration was handling over a better economy to his successor than the one he inherited from his predecessor Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

He said: “I inherited about NINETY-FOUR MILLION, NINE HUNDRED AND NINETY-NINE THOUSAND United States dollars in net international reserves, and I am handing over to the next administration a net international reserve position of TWO HUNDRED TWENTY-TWO MILLION, SEVEN HUNDRED THOUSAND United States dollars. This is a 136 percent increase in net international reserve position. The total cash balance in the Government’s Consolidated accounts is UNITED STATES FORTY MILLION, FORTY-FOUR THOUSAND, THREE HUNDRED SIXTY-FIVE DOLLARS AND NINETY CENTS. In 2018, my Government inherited a Consolidated cash position of about SEVEN MILLION UNITED STATES DOLLARS.”

However, countering Weah, President Boakai said: “The net international reserves position reported at the end of December 2023 was US$220 million. The report of US$40 million as the GoL’s consolidated account balance as at January 19, 2024 is not supported by the fact. The balance reported by the CBL as of the same date was US$20.5 million, highly encumbered, NOT US$40 million. To this end, we re-emphasize our earlier commitment to audit and ensure that regular audits will be a culture across all branches of government, not only the Executive.”

Rep. Jones, in his communication pointed out that the contradictory statement did not only create confusion, but were in violation of the citizens’ fundamental rights to be informed about the the government and its functionaries as enshrined in Article 15c of the 1986 Constitution of the Republic of Liberia.

“In pursuance of the right, there shall be no limitation on the public right to be informed and as such the information should be accurate and consistent. In the above-mentioned case, there is inaccuracy and inconsistency,” Jones added.  

Rep. Seibo, in his communication, noted that the CBL, as the institution that houses the consolidated account is in the position to validate these claims.

Following the deliberation, Plenary voted in favor of a motion proffered by Rep. P. Mike Jurry of Maryland County to invite the Governor and his deputies.

Senate also steps in

At the Upper House, Senators also weighed in on the issue. The Senate Plenary voted to mandate its Public Accounts and Audits Committee (PAC) and the Banking and Currency Committee (BCC) to “expeditiously” investigate the inconsistencies and establish the true balances of the consolidated accounts with supported documentation, and report to Plenary by Tuesday February 6, 2024.

A communication sent by Senator Amara Konneh, chairman of the PAC on behalf of the joint committee, called on the CBL to “provide the Government of Liberia’s (GoL) consolidated account balances in USD and Liberian Dollars (LRD) as of January 17, 2024, and January 19, 2024, at the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL), supported by appropriate bank statements and minutes of all meetings the CBL’s held with the Joint Presidential Transition Team (JPTT).” The committee also mandated the CBL to state the GoL’s revenue account balances for the same period and for the calendar year which ended December 31, 2023.

Monrovia – A day after former Liberian president George Weah handed over power to current President Joseph Boakai, some Liberians have complained that football, under the leadership of the footballing president, did not meet their expectations.

By A. Macaulay Sombai, Sombai.macaulaysombai@frontpageafricaonline.com

George Weah, one of Africa’s best football legends, served as president of Liberia for six years, but some Liberians say football suffered a serious setback under the Weah-led government. Football enthusiasts speaking to FrontPage Africa about Weah’s success and failure in football development expressed disappointment, stating that their expectations for the country’s number one sport were not met by a man they believed could deliver for Liberian football.

Moses Z. Jackson acknowledged that under former president Weah’s administration, there was a total setback in football development. He mentioned that Weah failed to listen to the calls of his former Lone Star teammates to collaborate on ideas that could have helped develop youth talents on the junior and senior national teams of Liberia.

Jackson agreed that Weah helped build children’s practice grounds around James Springs Field, including the Invincible Park, the Unification Peace Park in PHP, West Point Field, Clara Town Field, and D. Tweh Field, all transformed into artificial turf. However, he believes they are not up to standard.

He described Mr. Weah as Africa’s most successful football legend, a man who failed to focus his attention on football development in Liberia. Jackson said the former Liberian leader would be remembered as a football legend who never improved the game back home.

Abubaka Kenneh, another Liberian, told our reporter that Weah, as a football legend, traveled to major cities in Europe and Africa during his football career. He observed the developed football stadiums in those countries but failed to contribute to the construction of at least one such stadium in his beloved country, describing it as an absolute disgrace to Liberia and its people.

Kanneh highlighted his main disappointment, stating that under Weah’s administration, not a single football athlete benefited from him, and none of the Lone Star teams was successful in any African or world football competition. According to Kanneh, “Actually, my disappointment about Weah when it comes to the football arena is that he never helped make a way for any of our local and international football athletes to improve their talents or secure contracts with some of Africa’s major football clubs. Under his administration as president, the national football team of Liberia, the Lone Star, didn’t qualify for any major competition in African or world football.”

Samuel Davis described Weah’s construction of James Springs Payne, PHP, and the D. Tweh community sports grounds as beneficial only for people in those communities. He added that these fields are not up to standard for major football competitions. “Weah, one of the most successful football athletes not only in Liberia but the world at large, failed to get in contact with officials of some of the countries he played in to help him improve the talents of athletes who have a passion for the game of football.”

MONROVIA – President George Weah has hinted that he would quit politics at age 65 and would not be re-contesting the Presidency in 2029 at which time he would be 63 years old.

By Francis G. Boayue

President Weah, while attending his usual place of worship, the Forkey Klon Jlateh Fellowship on the RIA highway on Sunday, stated that in six years, he would be 63 would not be willing to be active in politics beyond 65 years.

“Right now I’m 57, and our retirement age is 65. Six years from now, I will be 63, and I cannot work for two years. So, the best thing we can do now is to promote peace and prosperity for this country, and nobody is going to drag me into politics until I reach 90 years,” President Weah said.

The outgoing Liberian leader further explained, “Right now, what we are faced is that our parents who were involved in politics when we were young at age one; some of them can’t even walk, and they are still into politics even at age 80.

“I did not come into politics to hijack power, but I came into politics to play my part and prove to those who considered me insignificant that I couldn’t be president, I proved them wrong and became President, and the rest is history, as you can look around and see my fingerprints everywhere.

“For us, we aren’t chasing politics; we pray to God for everything. Again, I’m thankful to the Liberian people for making me their president, whether one time or not. I have already broken an undisputed record to serve my country as President.”

“I care for the people, but let me not believe that because the people love me, I will be there for 90 years or whatever, while other children are coming up to be leaders.

“I will not do that, and if you’re looking for me on that, trust me, I don’t care whatever vision you have for me because I will be praying to God for that vision not to work. I need time for myself, children, and family.”

Kenedeja, Paynesville City – President George M. Weah radiated immense confidence in winning the Tuesday, November 14 Presidential run-off.

Responding to journalists after casting his vote alongside his wife, Clar Duncan Weah, son Champ Weah, and entourage, the Liberian Leader, clad in his customary white voting outfit, emphasized that Liberians would elect him based on his accomplishments over the last six years.

According to him, he is explicitly confident that a successful re-election victory is highly possible because Liberians have a vested interest in his government.

President Weah stated, “I am always confident; I go through the process. Again, the confidence that Liberians have placed in me with my work. I think, with everything that I have done already, the Liberian people will elect me.”

The Liberian Leader, who led his Rehab Community neighbor, Joseph Nyumah Boakai, in the October 10 polls with marginal votes of 804,087 to 796,961, equivalent to 43.83% to 43.44%, expressed delight over the high level of calmness and non-violent attitude exhibited by Liberians in the polling processes.

With a slightly lower turnout compared to the October polls, Weah is realistically optimistic about more voters turning out before the 6 o’clock deadline provided by the NEC.

“Everybody is voting, and there is no tension. That’s the democracy we want,” he said.

Emphasizing, “I don’t want to say people are reluctant because up to 6 o’clock, people will be voting, so some people know the time they want to come vote. Like me, at 10 o’clock, I was supposed to be here, and I am here.”

MONROVIA – The All Liberian Coalition Party (ALCOP), the party that secured fourth place in the October 10 presidential elections with 35,988 votes (1.96%), has chosen to throw its support behind the opposition Unity Party’s Joseph Boakai in the November 14 runoff election against the incumbent, President George Weah. However, ALCOP’s vice standard bearer has declared his support for Weah.

By Lennart Dodoo, ldodoo@frontpageafricaonline.com

ALCOP announced their endorsement of the former Vice President at an elaborate program held at its campaign headquarters along the Japan Freeway on Thursday.

The party’s political leader, Lusinee Kamara, emphasized in his endorsement speech that the party’s primary focus is addressing governance challenges, ensuring human rights, and promoting justice. He also stressed the importance of comprehensive social security services, economic policy reforms, and increased investment opportunities.

Kamara further stated that ALCOP aims to boost Liberia’s National Budget, enhance the quality of education, and implement sustainable programs for youth and job creation. Additionally, the party seeks to improve infrastructure development, including transportation, communication, and healthcare delivery, as well as ensuring access to safe water supplies for all Liberians.

Kamara remarked, “Fellow citizens and distinguished partisans of ALCOP, these values are the guiding lights for our policies that inform our decisions for alignment with any political institutions. They are not just about labels or limited benefits to a group of citizens. Instead, they are about a vision for a better and more equitable future for all Liberians. They are also about giving every citizen the opportunity to realize their full potential, regardless of their backgrounds, thereby creating a society that fosters growth, unity, peace, justice, shared prosperity, and national progress for all.”

He added, “As we move forward to the runoff election, ALCOP has gathered support through intensive consultations that have enabled us to generate brilliant ideas from partisans, party officials, traditional elders, and prelates. These consultations are the major drivers of our decision for alignment.”

Kamara concluded, “Now, therefore, fellow Liberians and distinguished partisans, we, the officials and members of the All Liberian Coalition Party, hereby endorse the presidential bid of the standard bearer of the Unity Party, Ambassador Joseph Nyumah Boakai.”

The ALCOP Political Leader also revealed that their collaboration with the Unity Party will ensure a concerted collaborative campaign strategy and rigorous poll watching efforts to secure a victory for the Unity Party in the runoff election. He requested that ALCOP’s manifesto be considered in the formulation of Liberia’s governing policies and the establishment of an inclusive government.

ALCOP Vice Standard Bearer Endorses CDC

On the other hand, the Vice Standard Bearer of ALCOP, Mr. Matthew V.Z. Darblo, expressed his support for President George Weah in the runoff election during a press conference held in Monrovia.

Darblo claimed that the entirety of his party has thrown its support behind President Weah’s re-election bid. This endorsement, he claimed, is based on the rationale that President Weah’s ongoing initiatives and commitment to completing unfinished projects over the past five years are aligned with the nation’s best interests.

Mr. Darblo conveyed his belief that Liberia has reached a critical juncture where a pivotal decision must be made for the nation’s development. He stressed that President Weah’s re-election would grant him the necessary time and mandate to see through these unfinished tasks.

He emphasized that the decision to support President Weah’s re-election was not made unilaterally but was reached after extensive consultations with other executive members of ALCOP. The collective consensus within ALCOP has firmly endorsed President Weah’s re-election, without any political influence or inducement.

CPP Goes Behind Weah, Too?

As for the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP), which comprises the Liberty Party (LP) and the Alternative National Congress (ANC), they are expected to announce whom they will support in the runoff election today. However, sources within the CPP suggest that the majority of its leadership favors the ruling CDC.

FrontPageAfrica gathered that the CPP held a tense meeting on Wednesday in which the majority expressed their preference for the CDC, but the Standard Bearer had initially opted for the party to remain neutral. However, he later succumbed to the will of the majority and requested to remain neutral as an individual while the will of the majority prevails.

Mr. Cummings confirmed this in a statement he issued on Thursday evening, announcing his neutrality while the CPP’s Executive Committee prepares to announce their stance today.

Cummings stated, “I have asked the parties, and they have agreed to allow me to not take a side. Among several important reasons, we believe this will afford the balanced perspective needed to continue to engage, as the CPP has demanded that I do, with all of our political, religious, traditional, and other national leaders, including with Liberians of all political, social, and economic standing.”

Cummings, however, clarified that the CPP’s decision to support one of the two parties in the runoff election was based on findings from the five-member committee headed by Vice Standard Bearer Cllr. Charlyne Brumskine, which was set up to hold discussions with the CDC and the UP on the conditions for their support.

Cummings added, “The objective of those discussions was to get commitments from the two parties for the incorporation and implementation of important elements, which we believe to be critical for the much-needed improvements in the governance of our country and the lives of all Liberians. CPP refuses to offer blind support without any reasonable commitments to change from the two parties.”

Cummings, however, stated that the endorsement of a side for the runoff election does not mean that the CPP would not continue to pursue its request for an investigation, including a forensic examination of the ballot papers.

He explained, “While this is still pending, we do not feel justified to proceed as if we did not personally sign the communication to the NEC along with two other presidential candidates. While this is ongoing, I cannot, at the same time, appear to take a side in the runoff, which is the outcome of the first round of elections we’re still hopeful of investigating.”

MONROVIA – The National Elections Commission has released another batch of election results that continue to reflect opposition candidate Joseph Boakai of the Unity Party as leading the October 10 elections, despite being closely followed by the incumbent, George Weah.

The results released by the NEC on Tuesday reflect outcomes from 392 of 5,890 polling places, representing 6.66% of the total polling places.

Amb. Boakai remains in the lead with 57,862 (46.27%), while President Weah has also obtained 49,510, which represents 39.6% of the votes tallied so far.

The pair is followed by Cllr. Tiwan Gongloe, who has 4,483 (3.59%).

Below are the results between Amb. Joseph Boakai (JNB) and George Manneh Weah (GMW) as per counties