MONROVIA – President Weah believes cabinet ministers didn’t do enough to protect and account for their votes, leading to early concession.

By Henry Karmo, henry.karmo@frontpageafricaonline.com

Presidential Deputy Press Secretary Mr. Smith Toby says President Weah’s early concession to his rival of the opposition Unity Party was due to carelessness on the part of government officials who didn’t show enough interest in protecting their votes.

According to Mr. Toby, who briefed the press at the Executive Mansion at the end of the President’s final cabinet retreat, some cabinet members raised concerns that the President should have waited a bit longer before conceding defeat.

“There were concerns, and he also admitted that people were talking. He didn’t want to hold the country hostage. He also felt elections are elections, and people were talking. He also admitted that at a certain point, officials were careless and didn’t protect the votes; everyone was a big boy or girl, and they left the ballot boxes with kids.

“Had we minded the ballot boxes, some of the irregularities we are hearing about would not have occurred. The President has accepted it, so we are no longer complaining, and it’s time to move on and build our country.”

The Presidential Press Secretary also informed the media that the President has mandated all officials of his government to submit a formal turnover note within the next two weeks, and they should do so in consultation with a lawyer.

Madam Mary Broh, who heads the General Services Agency (GSA), has been tasked with retrieving all government properties, and Foreign Minister Dee-Maxwell Kemayah has been appointed as the head of the government transition team.

Mr. Toby also said the President is committed to a smooth transition to the next administration; players of the current administration will hold on and see what the possibilities for 2029 are and how they can amalgamate forces to stay together until the next elections.

“There were mixed feelings in the hall; at some point, it was very emotional. But they took some time to congratulate the president for the opportunity to serve. The president has taken the defeat as a collective loss and warned officials to stop the blame game.

The President has asked cabinet ministers to reach out to the grassroots support base who are still struggling to overcome the loss and not to turn their backs on them.

Monrovia –  President George Manneh Weah has issued Executive Order 123, establishing a Joint Presidential Transitional Team (JPTT) to facilitate the smooth transition of power from the current Coalition for Democratic Change government to the newly elected administration.

President Weah, acting within the constitutional framework outlined in Chapter 2, Article 5(c) of the 1986 Constitution of the Republic of Liberia, has invoked his authority to develop protocols and mechanisms ensuring a seamless transfer of power. This initiative reflects his commitment to a transparent and efficient handover process.

The President, alongside the President-Elect, will co-chair the JPTT, with key appointments already made to the team. Notable members include the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Dean of the Cabinet, Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Minister of Justice, Minister of National Defense, and Minister of State for Presidential Affairs. Additionally, key positions have been assigned to ministries and agencies crucial to the functioning of the Liberian government.

President Weah’s Executive Order underscores the importance of inclusivity, inviting the President-Elect to designate 20 Liberian citizens to the JPTT. This move aims to ensure diverse perspectives in facilitating the transition process.

The Director-General of the Cabinet has been appointed as the Secretary to the JPTT, leading the Secretariat alongside the Economic Advisor and Legal Advisor to the President. The Executive Order further empowers the Director-General to second support staff from the Executive Branch of Government as needed, demonstrating the commitment to expeditious and effective operations.

The Co-Chairmanship of the JPTT will be jointly held by the Incumbent President and the President-Elect. In the absence of President Weah, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Dean of the Cabinet will act as Co-Chairperson. Flexibility is also granted to the President-Elect to designate a representative in his absence, ensuring continuous and efficient functioning of the team.

Decisions within the JPTT will be made by consensus, with any disagreements to be resolved jointly by the Incumbent President and the President-Elect. This collaborative approach reflects a commitment to unity and harmony during this crucial period.

The JPTT is set to commence its functions within 48 hours after the declaration of the President-Elect by the National Elections Commission (NEC). Its mandate will cease upon the publication of the Final Report, ensuring that the transition is completed no later than 48 hours before the Inauguration of the President-Elect and Vice President-Elect.

President Weah, emphasizing the importance of a well-coordinated transition, will call the first meeting of the JPTT within 48 hours after the NEC officially declares the President-Elect, marking a pivotal step towards Liberia’s democratic legacy. The Executive Order serves as a testament to President Weah’s commitment to a peaceful and orderly transition of power.

MONROVIA – The Liberian government, led by President George Manneh Weah, has successfully met the requirements of the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Scorecard.

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

MCC’s scorecards play an important role in the competitive selection process to determine which countries are eligible to establish a five-year grant agreement known as a compact.

A country is considered to have “passed” the scorecard when it fulfills at least 10 of the 20 indicators, which include the “Control of Corruption” indicator and either the “Civil Liberties” or “Political Rights” indicator.

In the 2024 fiscal year report released by the MCC, Liberia’s performance exceeded expectations by passing 14 of the 20 indicators. These 14 indicators encompassed various aspects, including fiscal policy, inflation, political rights, civil liberties, control of corruption, trade policy, rule of law, freedom of information, gender in the economy, land rights and access, health expenditures, access to credit, employment opportunities, and immunization rates.

This achievement marks a significant improvement compared to the previous year, where Liberia fell short in 11 indicators, including several of those successfully passed this year, such as “rule of law,” “trade policy,” “inflation,” “fiscal policy,” and “immunization rates.”

However, Liberia faced challenges in six indicators for the fiscal year 2024, including regulatory quality, government effectiveness, education expenditures, natural resource protection, the newly introduced girls’ primary education completion rate, and child health.

MCC’s Board Evaluation Criteria

MCC’s Board chaired by the Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, evaluates candidate countries for compact eligibility based on three statutorily mandated factors: policy performance, the potential to reduce poverty and stimulate economic growth, and the availability of MCC funds. FrontPageAfrica gathered that Liberia’s selection would be determined by a number of factors, including the outcome of the election – beign free, fair and transparent.

Regarding policy performance, as previously mentioned, a country must pass at least 10 of the 20 indicators, including either a pass in the “Political Rights” or “Civil Liberties” indicator and the “Control of Corruption” indicator. However, achieving only half of the policy performance, as Liberia did for fiscal year 2024, does not automatically guarantee a grant. The board considers the country’s potential to reduce poverty and foster economic growth.

The Board’s assessment encompasses various information sources, such as the state of democratic and human rights, especially among vulnerable groups; civil society’s perspective on key governance issues; the state of corruption control and the rule of law; the potential for private sector investment and growth, both domestic and foreign; poverty levels within the country, and the country’s institutional capacity.

The third and final factor the Board considers when evaluating countries is the availability of funds. MCC’s budget is constrained and often specifically limited by legislative provisions. MCC has an ongoing portfolio of countries in various stages, including compact development, implementation, threshold programs, and program closure. Therefore, the Board must factor in MCC’s overall funding situation when making selection decisions for planned or existing programs.

What happen upon selection?

Upon selection by the MCC, a country becomes eligible for a compact and must undergo a compact development process which involves an economic constraints analysis to determine the binding constraint to economic growth which must be undertaken by a Core Team established by the selected country. The Constraints Analysis informs investment decision and amount of the MCC grant leading to the development of concept papers on selected projects for approval.

Additionally, the compact development process also includes rigorous stakeholder engagements, a beneficiary analysis, and an environmental and social analysis of projects. Upon approval of projects and budget, the eligible country enters into compact negotiations leading to the signing of the compact agreement between the US Government and the recipient country. This process can take up to two years, while a country must maintain a passing scorecard during the entire compact development period.

The MCC and Its Role in Liberia

The Millennium Challenge Corporation is an independent U.S. foreign aid agency established in 2004 under the leadership of Republican President George W. Bush. The agency’s mission is to foster economic growth, open up markets, and enhance living standards in select countries.

The MCC applies specific criteria to guide its work abroad, focusing on indicators that measure a country’s commitment to good governance, economic freedom, and investment in its citizens. Selected countries receive substantial grants to finance projects aimed at reducing poverty through sustainable economic growth. These projects typically involve infrastructure development, institutional reform, and the expansion of access to healthcare and education. MCC grants may complement other U.S. and international development programs. The MCC provides two primary types of grants: compacts and threshold programs.

Compacts are large, five-year grants awarded to countries that meet MCC’s eligibility criteria, while threshold programs are smaller grants provided to countries that come close to meeting these criteria and are dedicated to improving their policy performance.

Liberia has been benefiting from MCC support since July 2010 when a three-year, US$15 million threshold grant was launched. This program concluded in December 2013. In January 2016, the MCC and Liberia initiated a five-year, US$257 million compact aimed at spurring economic growth and poverty reduction in Liberia.

The primary focus of this compact was to address the lack of reliable and affordable electricity access in the country, as well as the poor quality of road infrastructure. A significant portion of the funding was allocated to the revival of the Mt. Coffee Hydro Power Plant, and the compact was successfully completed in January 2021.

Breaking Weah’s Compact Curse

The remarkable performance of the Weah administration for the fiscal year 2024 marks a significant turning point, breaking the chain of previous failures. Since its inception in 2017, the current administration has been actively pursuing a second compact. This latest MCC report provides a boost to Liberia’s prospects of re-entering the program. It comes at a crucial time as President Weah faces a tough re-election battle against his political rival, former Vice President Joseph Nyumah Boakai.

MONROVIA – The Liberian Fisheries Sector got off to a good start under the leadership of president George Manneh Weah CDC-led government with international partners and government including the Japanese, and the World Bank contributing physical cash and making materials donations.

The World Bank has contributed over US$40Million to fisheries infrastructure development in Liberia as well as the government of Japan has donated several pieces of Yamaha motorized engines that have been distributed to fisheries cooperatives in the nine coastal counties.

As a means of ensuring continuation in the gains made in the Liberian fisheries sector under the President George Weah CDC-led government, the Director General of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority is rallying Liberians to turn out in mass on November 14, 2023 for the reelection of incumbent president George Weah.

Madam Glassco assured Liberians that President Weah CDC led government has the sufficient international connections that would lead to continuous development across the fisheries sector.

At the same time, the Liberian Fisheries Director General is calling for massive support from Liberians across the nine coastal counties for President Weah’s reelection because according to her he has what it take to ensure more development across Liberia.

Speaking Tuesday November 7, 2023 during the visit of the World Bank practice Manager for Environment, Natural Resources and Blue Economy, Global Practice for West and Central Africa, Madam Glassco expressed confidence of the World Bank support to the fisheries sector.

Moreover, the World Bank practice Manager for Environment, Natural Resources, Blue Economy and Global Practice for West and Central Africa Mrs. Lia Carol Sieghart, disclosed that the fisheries project is well on course in Liberia.

Commenting on the Mesurado fishing Pier on Bushrod Island, Mrs. Sieghart termed the sight as been unique for the construction of the industrial fishing port under the World Bank project.

Monrovia – A key member of the strategic advisory team of former vice president Joseph Boakai is turning heads after attending a Sunday morning prayer service with Mr. Boakai’s opponent, the incumbent President George Manneh Weah, ahead of next week’s runoff.

By Lennart Dodoo, ldodoo@frontpageafricaonline.com

In photos and video of the service which has since gone viral on social media and being widely shared on various online platforms, the former Defense Minister is seated on the podium alongside President Weah, First Lady Clar Weah and Foreign Minister Dee-Maxwell Kemayah at the President’s Forky Klon Jlaleh Fellowship Church.

The former minister who has been embroiled in controversy since being forced out of his Senate seat won at the start of the Weah administration, has been lobbying for President Weah to pardon him.

On 27 January 2022, Samukai, with associates, was convicted and ordered imprisoned for embezzlement.

The Supreme Court of Liberia handed down a two-year prison sentences to Samukai along with deputies Joseph Johnson and James Nyuman Ndokor after they failed to return U.S.$1.1 million worth of stolen money from a government pension account.

The funds were stolen from the Armed Forces of Liberia pension account during the mandate of former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf when Samukai headed the defense ministry. The three men were ordered by the court to pay US$537,828.15 comprising 50 percent of the total amount within six months but failed to do so.

However, in February 2022, Pres. Weah granted an executive clemency to Samukai, suspending his two-year jail sentence but requested him to work with the Ministry of Justice to enter a stipulation for the full settlement of the AFL’s money.

A Surprise to Boakai

Multiple sources told FrontPageAfrica on Monday that Boakai is incensed by the decision of Samukai to visit the President’s church at the start of the campaign.

A source also told FPA that Mr. Samukai met separately with President Weah for an hour following the service.

While no details emerging out of that meeting, a source told FPA that the meeting was more an attempt by Mr. Samukai to plead for pardon regarding the restitution and less of an endorsement. However, aides to former vice president Boakai are raising eyebrows over the timing of the visit and subsequent meeting between Mr. Samukai and President Weah.

FPA has also learned that Boakai had specific concerns about Samukai’s failure to provide him with a prior notice before the meeting with the President, despite having met with Samukai just a day earlier.

Samukai: Not An Endorsement

The former Defense Minister, however, on Monday evening clarified that his visit to the Church was on the merit of his former military training and orientation that demand respect for the presidency.

According to him, he was invited by President Weah to worship at the family church but emphasized that his visit does not in any way mean he supports the President.

Samukai: “As a former Defense Minister of the Republic of Liberia, I was invited by President George Weah to worship at the family Church and based on the merits of my formal military training and orientation that demands respect for the Presidency, I chose to honor the President’s invitation.

“However, I wish to clearly state for the record that I remain a very loyal, committed and diehard supporter of Amb. Joseph Nyuma Boakai and the Rescue Mission. My visitation at the Forky Klon Church must in no way be construed as me second-guessing my commitment to campaign for the Presidential bid of an astute statesman with a towering record of service to the state and the people of Liberia.”

Brownie Samukai publicly disagreed with Unity Party’s selection of a senatorial candidate for Lofa County. However, it was unsuspected to see him among other top ranking officials of the Weah-led government in a church service along with Pres. Weah, who is believed to have prosecuted him and denied him the opportunity of becoming Senator of Lofa. This development has made members of the Unity Party uneasy and  has sparked speculation about Samukai’s potential support for Weah, which could substantially bolster Weah’s performance in Lofa during the November 14 runoff election.

In the October 10 elections, Boakai massively defeated Weah in Lofa County accumulating 73,761 votes  (56.16%) opposed to Weah to obtained 35,951 votes (27.37%).

MONROVIA – Political endorsement and support for the presidential run-off elections appear to be characterized by huge demands for the apportioning of cabinet positions and financial inducement between the governing Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) and the opposition Unity Party (UP).

By Obediah Johnson

President George Manneh Weah and former Liberian Vice President Joseph Nyuma Boakai are standard bearers of the CDC and UP, respectively.

The runoff election is expected to take place on November 14. It was necessitated by the failure of the 20 parties and independent candidates that contested the elections to obtain 50 percent plus one vote in keeping with the 1986 Liberian Constitution.

As a result of the pronouncement, the quest to lure the support or endorsement of few political parties, elected senatorial and representative candidates and other potential political actors has intensified between the CDC and UP.

Boakai, Weah as well as executives of their political parties and campaign teams have been meeting with other political parties and figures underscoring the need to have either of them supported or endorsed during the runoff.

However, FrontPageAfrica has gathered that these political talks being held with the CDC and UP for endorsement have been marred by multiple requests from other parties for political accommodation, including job provision to its executives and stalwarts, request for finances, among others.

Money

For decades now, political endorsements of presidential candidates during runoff elections in Liberia have been driven by financial influence.

Parties making it to the runoff, especially the ruling party, are influenced the process by offering unspecified huge sum of monies to those they referred to as “kingmakers” to deliver specific regions or counties ahead of the second round of voting.

At times, these financial inducements backfire when executives or supporters of the political party accepting financial offers to endorse or cross over are left out of the negotiation or distribution processes.

This act of betrayal has prompted disenchanted executives and partisans of these parties to either expel or suspend their political leaders and others for engaging into a negotiation process without the consent of their respective National Executives Committee (NEC).

In February 2012, former warlord and Nimba County Senator Prince Johnson was expelled by the Executive Committee of the opposition National Union for Democratic Progress (NUDP) as its Political Leader and member.

Senator Johnson was accused at the time of unilaterally declaring his support for President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in the runoff of the 2011 presidential election without the consent of the party’s National Executive Committee.

He was accused of receiving bribes in exchange of votes from the ex-Liberian leader.

In 2011, he was also accused of receiving huge sum of money to endorse President Weah over Ambassador Boakai during the November 7 runoff elections.

In validation of these allegations, Senator Johnson was sanctioned by the United States government under the Magnisky Act for being allegedly involved into “pay-for-play funding with government ministries and organizations for personal enrichment.”

The US claimed that as part of the scheme, upon receiving funding from the Government of Liberia (GOL), the involved government ministries and organizations launder a portion of the funding for return to the involved participants.

It added that the pay-for-play funding scheme involves millions of U.S. dollars.

“Johnson has also offered the sale of votes in multiple Liberian elections in exchange for money,” the US government maintained.

Popular talk show Host Henry Costa, who was a fierce critic of President George Manneh Weah, stand accused of receiving huge sum of money  to endorse and support President Weah and the CDC ahead of the runoff. As evidenced to this, the All Liberian Party (ALP), who Costa is also a Stalwart of, endorsed President Weah at a former ceremony held at the party’s headquarters on Sunday, October 29.

Jobs

Provision of jobs for executives and supporters of defeated political parties and candidates is another key issue placed on the table during presidential runoff elections in Liberia.

This was one of the main issues that reportedly topped the recent meeting held between the CDC, the All Liberia Coalition Party (ALCOP) and GDM of E. Wade Appleton. It was made by executives of the ruling party and the government.

Standard Bearers and their running mates appearing to be “kingmakers” normally make demands for them or other members of their parties’ executive committees to be accommodated or given the opportunity to serve in government.

This has contributed to an increase in the number of incompetent and unqualified individuals in the public sector over the years.

The names of these half-baked or uneducated are submitted for possible employment as Ministers, Directors and others at various government ministries and agencies, thereby depriving competent and qualified Liberians from serving in these positions.

Political patronage or accommodation continues to supersede the interest and forward match of the country and slowdown efficiency and effectiveness in public service delivery to the Liberian people.

Patriotism

The new wave of politicking in Liberia is not about the interest of the country. Politics is now based on the need to payback; tell lies, deceits and the fulfillment of personal aggrandizement over patriotism and the holding of integrity.

Only few political parties and defeated candidates are on record for not holding a single closed door discussion or meeting with political parties that made it to the runoff.

Last week, the Liberian People’s Party (LPP) of Counselor Tiawan Gongloe endorsed the UP without meeting with President Weah or Ambassador Boakai.

Previously, the party held consultations with its supporters in the diaspora and at home to back its decision.

The Liberia First Movement (LFM) and its Presidential Candidate Shiekh Kouyateh also follow suit.

Some political parties, senatorial and representative candidates who have won the elections in their respective counties and districts would choose to remain neutral during the run-off, while others are planning to hold discussions with their supporters on which way to go.

For a prolong period of time, love for country or patriotism has been downplayed in Liberia. Many politicians cannot be trusted with their statements as they could be tongue-twisted anytime.

The pledging of support or political alignment is based upon the offers from the competing parties.

Cummings’ payback?

Alexander Cummings, Standard Bearer of the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP) is on record for vowing to ensure that his party supports the opposition political party that will make it to the runoff with President Weah.

But on the contrary, his party’s Chairman Musa Hassan Bility has promised not to be a part of any decision to turn Liberia over to UP Standard Bearer Joseph Nyuma Boakai.

The lawsuit instituted against Mr. Cummings by Benoni Urey, of the All Liberian Party (ALP) appears to be an unforgotten scenario which continues to ring bell in the ears of the CPP Political Leader and his supporters.

Mr. Cummings has already held discussions with both Boakai and Weah in the absence of Chairman Bility.

The possibility of him living up to his consistent vow to support the opposition appears to be uncertain. However, with reports of reconciliation talks between Cummings, Boakai and major stakeholders, a reunion and new political marriage would likely be cemented to pave the way for his political future.

Sticky issues surrounding endorsements

Bad blood and mixed feelings have ensued among members of the CDC executive committee and campaign team over the unilateral decision taken by President Weah and few members of his campaign team to reunite with Costa few days to the runoff elections.

Costa’s support to Weah was reportedly initiated by the Chairman of the campaign team Eugene Nagbe and Representative Fonati Koffa.

CDC Chairman Mulbah Morlu, Secretary General Jefferson Koijee and other high ranking executives and sponsors of the ruling party are reportedly not favoring the return of Costa to the camp of Weah.

As evidenced by this, no public comments have been made by key executives of the party since Costa was seen in recent photographs with President Weah upon his return to the country.

They continue to question the rationale behind the reported payment of US$60,000 to Costa for his “two-week” support to the party at a time many other partisans and supporters of the CDC are foot-soldering on empty stomach and numerous promises made by the campaign team to compensate them since the start of the campaign for the first round of voting have not come to fruition.

The lack of trust for Costa, who has used disparaging and derogatory statements against President Weah and key government officials for several years, may be a contributing factor for the cold shouldering he is presently receiving from many hierarchies of the party.

Urey risks expulsion

In the coming days, ALP Chairman Benoni Urey, and others risk being suspended or expelled from the party for going contrary to a decision taken by delegates at the January 2022 convention to endorse Ambassador Boakai.

The decision was reached when Mr. Urey made it clear that he had no interest in contesting for the presidency.

This has also prompted many executives and partisans of the ALP to deflect from the party for the UP.

Last week, scores of defeated Representatives and Senatorial candidates who contested the October 10 elections on the ticket of the All Liberia Coalition Party (ALCOP) sounded a caveat to the party’s leadership against leaving them out of any negotiation process ahead of the runoff.

In a statement issued in Monrovia on Monday, October 23, the ALCOP Representatives and Senatorial candidates pointed out that as committed and influential leaders in their respective counties and districts who acquired more than 100,000 votes they remain a significant and determining factor to decide the next President of Liberia.

They noted that their supporters have reposed their trust and confidence in them to provide direction for the presidential run-off elections.

“We the ALCOP Candidates Caucus 2023 want to assure and reassure our people in our constituencies, abundantly, emphatically and crystal clear that we have made no decision as individual or organization as to which party to support in this upcoming run-off elections.”

Unrealistic promises

The holding of political commitments after general elections in Liberia has been an aged-old issue in Liberia.

It has contributed to political divorce between the ruling CDC and other constituent parties.

The Movement for Democratic Reconstruction (MDR) of Senator Prince Johnson, that endorsed and supported President Weah, during the presidential runoff elections in 2017, consistently complained of the Liberian Chief Executive not living up to the agreement reached with the party, including the provision of key ministerial positions to its executives.

As a result of this, the MDR withdrew its support from President Weah and the CDC and endorsed Ambassador Boakai.

The Liberian People Democratic Party (LPDP) of former House Speaker Alex Tyler, which is one of the constituent parties of the CDC, has complained in similar manner and form, something which prompted the party to part way with the governing party.

Sitting on the fence

In Liberia, many influential citizens, including Nobel laureate, lawyers, Clergymen, among others prefer to “sit on the fence” and watch the political happenings in the country, void of taking side or endorsing a particular candidate.

Though these individual may be supporting various political parties or candidates “under cover”, their failure to make those supports or endorsements public continue to provide no direction for their followers or supporters.

Citizens may want for their votes or decisions to be directed by individuals who have the moral standing and integrity to do so.

However, they have not been guided by influential Liberians who continue to support their political parties and candidates in secret.

Business tycoons dare not to openly endorse or speak about their choices during electioneering periods for fear of reprisal or attacks from rival supporters or groups.

As the November 14 presidential runoff between the CDC and UP draws nearer, the scrabble for retaining jobs, pledging of support for political accommodation or financial inducement, the stage-managing of endorsement programs would continue to take center stage in the political sphere of the post-conflict nation.

However, those making decisions on which side to support based on patriotism or love for country could be positioning themselves to stand a better political chance in future elections.

Monrovia – Liberians, eager for a high-stakes showdown among prominent presidential contenders ahead of next week’s crucial elections, were left disappointed when three of the leading candidates – President George Manneh Weah of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), former Vice President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, Unity Party (UP) and Alexander Cummings of the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP), opted out of Tuesday’s presidential debate.

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

The debate, held at the Ellen Johnson Ministerial Complex in Congo Town, Monrovia, marked the first of two debates organized by a consortium of media and civil society, with support from USAID through Internews Liberia.

According to Internews, the primary objective of these debates is to facilitate informed decision-making among voters. They provide an opportunity for voters to gain insight into the candidates’ positions on critical issues, their policy proposals, and their vision for the future, enabling them to make informed choices during the elections, Internews said.

Ten presidential candidates were scheduled to participate, including the incumbent President George Manneh Weah of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), former Vice President Joseph Nyumah Boakai of the Unity Party, Alexander Cummings of the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP), Simeon Freeman of the Movement for Progressive, Allen Brown, Jr. of the Liberian Restoration Party (LRP), Bendu Alehma Kromah as an Independent Candidate, Lusinee F. Kamara, Sr. of the All Liberia Coalition Party (ALCOP), Richard Saye Miller of Liberia for Prosperity (LFP), William Wiah Tuider of the Democratic National Allegiance, and Joshua Tom Turner of the New Liberia Party (NLP).

However, while some presidential candidates not originally scheduled to participate in Tuesday’s debate did join, most of the expected contenders did not.

Why Did They Skip?

Organizers of the debate did not officially disclose whether these candidates provided valid reasons for their absence. Nevertheless, President Weah and Amb. Boakai were on campaign tours in southeastern and northern Liberia, respectively.

Prior to the debate, Eugene Nagbe, the campaign manager of the CDC, had announced that President Weah would not participate in any debate, but the CDC did not provide further explanation. When contacted, Amos Tweh, Secretary-General of the UP, referred to a letter addressed to Internews, explaining Boakai’s absence due to campaign commitments.

Here is an excerpt:

“Vice President of Liberia and Standard Bearer of the Unity Party. His Excellency would have me convey to you that though he would have love to attend the debate among Presidential candidates scheduled for October 3, 2023 at the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Ministerial Complex, Congo Town, Monrovia at 9:30 am, unfortunately, due to his campaign tours of Lofa and the challenging road conditions, he is unable to be at the debate. It is the hope of His Excellency the former Vice President Joseph Nyumah Boakai that the debate organized will meet its targeted goals.”

The CPP did not respond to FrontPage Africa’s inquiries.

Debates stand as a cornerstone of a thriving democracy, enabling citizens to assess the stances, policies, and leadership attributes of candidates. So, when the standard bearers of the ruling CDC, CPP and UP – the most likely to win presidential candidates abstain from participating in debate they had earlier signed up for, it prompts concerns regarding their commitment to open dialogue and their ability to defend their ideas directly to the electorate.

This sentiment was shared by some voters following the conclusion of the first debate at the EJS Ministerial Complex.

 “Timing of the debate is not good. They should have done this before [the] campaign started. Also, the fact the incumbent doesn’t participate takes away the flavor it should have,” wrote Joel Bimba, a follower of FrontPage Africa who watched the debate live.

Tony Flex, another voter wrote: “We always lose the opportunity to leverage such an important activity to inform voters’ decisions because this event is always held at the peak of [the] campaign.  Organizers need to be more strategic in scheduling the event at the time all aspirants will be available to participate.  If I will suggest it should be done around the period when NEC is still reviewing political parties campaign schedules for approval.”

But Ed Dun was more appreciative of the candidates that showed up: “Liberia votes on popularity! Thanks for coming and explaining your plans! But keep coming and we will circle back next elections. God bless y’all.”

Highlight of the Debate

Despite the absence of the leading candidates, the debate was not without its share of drama.

Simeon Freeman, a Liberian businessman and politician, pledged to repurpose the Ministry of Gender’s budget for programs benefiting women. Freeman said doing business in Liberia is difficult and vowed to improve the business environment if elected.

He urged Liberian voters to elect him and not to be frustrated with the current government and Amb. Boakai, as it could lead to a disaster.

Bendu Kroma, one of the two female presidential candidates, called for the election of another female leader, emphasizing Liberia’s history of electing only one female president, who performed exceptionally.

Sheikh Kouyateh of the Liberia First Movement proposed creating Easter and the end of Ramadan as national holidays for Christians and Muslims, respectively.

Joshua Turner, a relatively lesser-known candidate, expressed his intention to install video cameras in the offices and vehicles of cabinet officials to combat corruption effectively.

The debate covered a range of topics, including education, agriculture, health, rule of law, infrastructure, foreign policy, economy, peace and reconciliation, youth empowerment, corruption, and gender inclusion.

Meanwhile, the upcoming debate is scheduled for October 6 in Gbarnga, Bong County. Organizers have announced that candidates who were initially slated to take part in the first debate but did not attend are welcome to participate in the second and final debate if they choose to do so.

MONROVIA –  The Government of Liberia (GOL) has disbursed LRD$40m to rural market women in ten of Liberia’s fifteen counties as part of President George Manneh Weah’s Empowerment Program to rural Liberian women across the country.

Out of the LRD$40m (Forty Million Liberian Dollars), Nimba County received LRD$9m, Bong, LRD$7m and Grand Bassa, LRD$5m.

Others are Grand Gedeh, River Gee, Bomi, Sinoe and Maryland Counties, LRD$3m, each, while Grand Kru, and River Cess Counties got LRD$2m each.

The amounts were disbursed to the recipients through the Ministry of Commerce and Industry to the   rural Liberian women who are under the umbrella of the Liberia Marketing Association (LMA).

The Empowerment Program to the rural Liberian women, initiated by President George Manneh Weah upon his ascendency to the Liberian Presidency targets four groups.

They include   rural women marketers under the LMA, rural women farmers, owners of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and those engaged in the Village Savings Loan Associations (VLSAs) in all the fifteen counties.

The disbursement of checks to the four groups earmarked under the President’s Empowerment Program to the rural Liberian women has touched all of the 73 electoral districts of Liberia.

Recipients of these amounts continue to commend President Weah for the initiative, describing it as a dream come true and also a promise kept by the Liberian Chief Executive. 

It appears that the long standing feud between President George Manneh Weah and Liberia’s Most Celebrated soccer player and former coach of the Lone Star James Salinsa Debbah has been settled as evidence by the move made by Debbah to align with one of the constituent parties of the governing Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) ahead of the elections.

By Obediah Johnson

Liberians are expected to go to the polls to elect their new leaders on Tuesday, October 10, according to a timetable released by the National Elections Commission (NEC).

President Weah is seeking re-election on the ticket of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC).

Since 2005, Debbah has not openly supported President Weah for several reasons. He’s on record for supporting the election of former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and the Liberty Party of fallen Counselor Charles Walker Brumskine over his cousin. At the time, Debbah claimed that President Weah was incompetent, inexperience and unqualified to lead Liberia.

Following his ascendancy to the Liberian presidential, both President Weah, noted for keeping malice, and Debbah did not see eye-to-eye for a prolong period of time.

Though he has been invited at the Executive Mansion to meet with the President, he has been made to wait for several hours and later return without meeting the Liberian leader.

However, there are reports that the two former national team players have sorted out their differences, following the interventions of friends and top government officials.

As a result of the reconciliation, Debbah over the week end officially joined the Movement for Economic Empowerment (MOVEE) with a vow to collectively work with “like-minds” individuals and groups to ensure the re-election of President George Manneh Weah.

MOVEE is one of the six (6) political parties that endorsed and formed part of the CDC. Liberia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Dee Maxwell Kemayah is the political leader of the party.

Speaking at a brief ceremony marking the signing of his membership, Debbah said for several years, he has stood by his conviction, but it is now time for him to hold strong ties with “people of the same values” to guarantee the re-election of President Weah

 “On October 10 Liberians will be going to the polls to elect 73 Representatives, 15 Senators and a President and Vice President. We have come to once again reaffirm our commitment to the re-election of His Excellency President George Manneh Weah.”

He said as part of efforts towards retaining President Weah, he is presently collaborating with a group of young people and other government officials who  are “thinking like us.”

“I believe and know that Ambassador Dee Maxwell Kemayah, a friend that I have known for more than a decade, and the leadership of this great MOVEE, are working towards achieving the collective goal of the re-election of President Weah.

He said beside working with Minister Kemayah and his party towards the CDC retaining the presidency, he is also contemplating on a “permanent transition to MOVEE as my new political revolution.”

“I stand here today to make it publicly clear that I James Salinsa Debbah, along with his Excellency Ambassador Dee Maxwell Saah Kemayah, we are on the same path for the re-election bid of President Weah and to ensure that he gets a gigantic victory on October 10.”

Debbah claimed that despite her experience and spending 12 years in power, former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf failed to fulfill all her campaign promises made to Liberians.

“But look at the President today, in a relatively short period of time, see what he has done. Come October 10, we are going to re-elect President Weah.”

Also speaking, the Chairman of MOVEE Robert Sammie commended Debbah for selecting MOVEE as his new political home.

He said President Weah is a “strong and great leader” who continues to stir the affairs of Liberia properly.

He observed that Unity Party Standard Bearer Joseph Boakai failed to keep about four parties together within the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP), but President Weah was able to convince about six political parties to join the CDC.

“They said they are in train and want to rescue us, but they were not able to hold just four parties together. Who are they coming to rescue?”

Sammie said those wanting to lead Liberia do not have leadership ability, but they only want to deceive the Liberian people to excel to state power.

“President Weah is the right man. Nobody should fool you that they can do better than what President Weah is doing.”

Monrovia – President George Manneh Weah has reiterated his unwavering determination and commitment to ensure a free, fair, transparent, and violence-free election on October 10.

President George Manneh Weah spoke over the weekend at the Minister Complex in Monrovia during a program marking the Kukatornon 2023 Peace Festival, commemorating 20 years of peace in Liberia. This event marks the August 18, 2003, Accra Comprehensive Peace Accord on Liberia, which ended the 14 years of civil conflict in Liberia.

The celebration was held under the theme: “Let’s Sustain Peace in Liberia.”

According to President Weah, Liberians are tired of war and will not allow themselves to be intimidated or threatened by politicians who continue to beat what he calls the “drums of war.” If they do not win the October 10th elections, and claim it was rigged, it could lead to civil war.

He said instead of opposition political leaders sitting in their corners and trying to gain sympathy from the Liberian people through scare tactics, they should get up and vigorously campaign, as he is doing.

President Weah also used the occasion to express profound appreciation to the International Community, the European Union, the United States of America, ECOWAS, the African Union, Ghana, Nigeria, international organizations, and all who helped bring peace and sanity to Liberia.

The Liberian Leader’s statement came as an apparent response to an earlier comment made during the program by River Gee County Senator, Conmany Wesseh, who stated, “The election we are having, the election that we are going into is not about one round. It is an election about who will win. So if you are too anxious for one round, you will cause violence. Let’s try to have peaceful elections, let’s ensure that it is fair, and let’s make sure it’s something we all can live with. I think Liberians just want free and fair elections.”

Senator Wesseh noted that most conflicts in Africa today are linked to dissatisfaction with elections. He emphasized that Liberians had promised themselves and the international community to maintain peace, and the 20 years of peace is a fulfillment of that promise.

Senator Wesseh commended the women of Liberia for their roles in the peace process, which, according to him, led to the election of President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as the first female president of Liberia and Africa.

Senator Wesseh’s statement was also swiftly responded to by Foreign Minister Dee Maxwell Saah Kemayan, who termed the statements as intimidation and threats of war, especially by politicians who were in power.

The Foreign Minister said that if Liberians want President Weah to be voted in the first round because of the work he has done, there is nothing wrong with that. As is being demonstrated in the streets since the campaign started, Liberians have proven that they love President Weah and are demonstrating that they will elect him in the first round. He emphasized that this does not imply cheating.

The Liberian Foreign Minister stated that there can be no cheating in the elections as opposition leaders continue to ‘cry wolf’ because the ballots will be counted at the polling centers, all observers will be there, and the tally sheets will be duly signed by political parties and other observers, leaving no chance for any form of cheating.

Foreign Minister Kemayan spoke at the occasion when he presented certificates to winners of the George Weah Peace Prize, which is part of the annual Kukatornon Peace Prize, and other honorees. The four winners include former Ghanaian president John Agyekum Kufuor, former Nigerian president Abdulsalami Abubakar, former Executive Secretary of ECOWAS Mohamed Ibn Chambas, and Former President of the United States, Jimmy Carter, for their respective roles in salvaging peace in Liberia.

Five distinguished personalities were also given the Posthumous Award for their contributions to peace while they were still alive. They include the late Dr. Mary N. Brownell, a social advocate of Liberia, the late Dr. Amos C. Sawyer, former Interim president of Liberia, the late Dr. William Richard Tolbert III, former Peace Ambassador of Liberia, the late Dr. Michael Kpakala Francis, Archbishop of the Catholic Church of Liberia, and the late Sheikh Kafumba Konneh, a renowned Muslim Cleric of Liberia.

The Liberia Crusaders for Peace (LCP) and the National Secretariat of the National Kukatornon Peace Festival Initiative, with technical support from the visionary Culture Ambassador Juli Endee, successfully organized the event in collaboration with the Ministries of Information, Culture Affairs and Tourism, Foreign Affairs, Gender, Children, and Social Protection, and Internal Affairs.

The Peace Festival, which is an annual event, was also held in collaboration with MARWOPNET, WIPNET, WONGOSOL, Liberian Women Mass Action for Peace, and Signatories of the Accra Comprehensive Peace Agreement with support from ECOWAS, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, United Nations of YIsrael-USA, Peace Building Office, COPPWIL, Family Paradise, and other partners.

For her part, Culture Ambassador, Amb. Juli Endee emphasized the need for everyone in the country to uphold the peace currently being enjoyed.

Amb. Endee noted that the elections should not be used as a pretext for violence. Therefore, she said it is important to continue promoting the message of peace.