Wento reportedly passed away on Wednesday, May 1, after he collapsed in his office and died 30 minutes later.

Prior to his death, Wento was a prominent Liberian businessman and politician who contested the 2017 Presidential Elections on the United People’s Party Ticket, securing 12th place among several others with 8,968 votes.

Wento first gained national recognition for his role in the formation of the Congress for Democratic Change in the period leading to the 2005 presidential Elections, as the founding Chairman of the CDC. However, he later rescinded his membership to become a member of the UPP in honor of the memory of his father, the late Alexander Wento.

In 2017, the United People’s Party (UPP) reinstated the late Wento’s membership in the Party after he left to help form the CDC.

During the just-ended 2023 elections, Wento’s name surfaced as a potential running mate to President Joseph Nyumah Boakai.

Wento’s humble life story is one of triumph over adversities. His father hailed from Putu Statutory District, Grand Gedeh County, and his mother was from Greenville, Sinoe County.

He was the second of 10 children and was born on December 13, 1967, at the Maternity Center in Monrovia.

He was a Christian and a board member of the Bethel World Outreach Ministries. He was also the CEO of the Wento Foundation, which focused on promoting the talents of musicians.

He graduated from Bishop Jule High School in Zwedru, Grand Gedeh County, in 1989.

He worked as an Investment Banker and was also involved in Currency Trading.

As a Liberian politician, the late Wento was critical of the need for improvement in the education sector and emphasized the necessity for students to have access to public libraries in all government schools.

During his political career, McDonald A. Wento criticized the weak Liberian educational system, urging the government to expedite the learning process by providing the necessary resources to enhance the academic environment for students.

After a closely contested first round, which saw President Weah securing 43.83 percent of the votes and former Vice President Joseph N. Boakai closely trailing at 43.44 percent, both parties have been reaching out to other political parties and influential politicians to garner support for the November 14 runoff.

The endorsement ceremony took place on Tuesday, October 31, , at Prime FM Radio Station in Monrovia. Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Tarr described the occasion as a defining moment in the nation’s democratic evolution, emphasizing the need for Liberians to make decisions that will shape their beloved country’s future.

Dr. Tarr proudly announced his party’s unwavering support for President Weah and the CDC, highlighting the UPP’s long standing belief in collaboration, unity, and working together for Liberia’s upliftment. He stressed the importance of putting aside partisan differences when it serves the best interests of the people, recognizing the CDC as the embodiment of the vision of progress and unity that Liberia currently requires.

Dr. Tarr commended the CDC for its steadfast commitment to the welfare of Liberian citizens and their dedication to essential values and principles vital for Liberia’s growth and development. He noted the CDC’s recognition of the strength in Liberia’s diversity and their commitment to harnessing it for the greater good.

He acknowledged the CDC’s vision, which includes a deep commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability, describing these principles as the foundation of a prosperous nation. He applauded the CDC’s “strong resolve” to uphold justice and fairness, integral to the success of any democratic society.

He said: “The Coalition’s vision includes a deep commitment to good governance, transparency, and accountability. These principles are the bedrock of a prosperous nation, and the Coalition for Democratic Change has demonstrated a strong resolve to uphold them. They are committed to justice and fairness, which are integral to the success of any democratic society.”

The UPP leader went on to highlight the Coalition’s efforts to improve the living conditions of the Liberian people, focusing on economic growth, education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and job creation, with particular attention to underserved and vulnerable communities.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Tarr implored all Liberians to cast their votes in support of the CDC in the upcoming runoff election, emphasizing that they offer a beacon of hope and the opportunity to work towards a Liberia of progress, unity, and prosperity. He reminded voters that the power to shape the nation’s future lies within each of them, urging them to participate actively in the democratic process.

Dr. Tarr encouraged all Liberians to join the UPP in embracing the vision of a brighter future, emphasizing the importance of unity and forward progress.

“Let us come together, let us vote, and let us move forward with hope and determination,” he said. “Together, we can build a better Liberia for all.”