Africa-Press – Liberia. My Fellow Liberians:
A few days ago, the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP) laid out the condition
for any endorsement of the two parties in the runoff. We also announced the
setting up of a Committee of Five to discuss with the Coalition for Democratic
Change (CDC) and the Unity Party (UP) on the conditions for our support. The
object 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.
By making our conditions public, we did not necessarily intend to impose our will
on any political leader or party. We were simply asking the runoff parties to make
change a real obligation, and not just a political slogan. We know this was an
unusual practice in our country, but we offer no apologies to anyone for the
audacity we have to believe in real change. And so, we thank the two parties for
engaging with us in these discussions.
The Committee has reported that it had meaningful engagements and discussions
with both parties We thank both parties for their willingness to discuss these
matters of critical national concerns.
The CPP Executive Committee made the ultimate decision of which party to
endorse in the 2nd round. The CPP is a democratic institution and as such, the
overwhelming majority decision is final. The Statement of Endorsement will be
delivered by the CPP EC.
However, 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.
As we know, it is difficult to engage meaningfully and constructively if one is
perceived to be politically biased or prejudiced. Furthermore, I am hopeful that
this position will help our country, both in the short and long term, to work for
the unity and reconciliation of all of our people and leaders, especially after a
contentious election that threatens to further divide our people. Not personally
choosing a side will also help in a more effective engagement with our
international partners.
There is also the concern that while we will not legally object to moving ahead
with the runoff as announced, we have informed the NEC, and have yet to
receive a reply, concerning our request to undertake an investigation, including
a forensic examination of the ballot papers. 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.
Finally, my fellow Liberians: We should not all agree on everything. But we
must never disagree to keep our country safe and peaceful. Elections are
inherently divisive. But on the otherside is a nation we must remain faithful to
and committed to building.
The road ahead is going to be tough. Change is hard. But like they say, change
is the only constant in the lives of people. We must never give up on trying to
change. We must never lose hope in the possibility of change.
Importantly, also, we must never give up on our country. Liberia needs all of
its sons and daughters to look beyond our disagreements to build a united and
better future. Let us work for a better Liberia. Let us ensure and commit to a
runoff that is peaceful. And on the otherside, let us live in peace and shared
prosperity.
May God continue to bless our nation and protect Liberians everywhere. I
thank you
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