In a notable absence that raised eyebrows among Liberia’s political circles, the standard bearer of the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP) and his vice standard bearer chose not to attend Wednesday’s pivotal forum organized by the National Elections Commission (NEC) in conjunction with the United Nations and ECOWAS.
The gathering served as a reaffirmation of the NEC’s Board of Commissioners’ unwavering commitment to employing the best practices to ensure a peaceful and smooth electoral process. Additionally, it aimed to enhance the candidates’ understanding of the ongoing preparations for the highly anticipated election.
The event marked a crucial aspect of the Electoral Management Body’s (EMB) ongoing engagement with key stakeholders to foster an inclusive, credible, peaceful, and non-violent electoral atmosphere, in line with the recently signed Farmington River Declaration by registered political parties and independent aspirants.
Despite the absence of the CPP’s top leadership, several other prominent figures graced the occasion, lending their voices to the pursuit of a democratic and transparent electoral journey.
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Cllr. Tiawan Gongloe, speaking on behalf of the LPP, took the opportunity to deliver a poignant message to President Weah and his government. He urged the government to allocate adequate funds for the smooth conduct of the elections scheduled for October 10, 2023. Stressing the importance of prioritizing electoral financing, Cllr. Gongloe pointed out that investing in a successful election is far more cost-effective than grappling with the consequences of unrest and conflict, which could potentially arise from an inadequately funded electoral process.
As Liberia’s political landscape intensifies in the run-up to the upcoming elections, the absence of key figures from the CPP’s leadership in this forum has drawn attention to the evolving dynamics between various parties. This development underscores the significance of constructive dialogue and robust engagement among all stakeholders to ensure a credible and transparent electoral process.
As the NEC, UN, and ECOWAS strive to foster an environment conducive to peaceful elections, the active participation and cooperation of all political actors will be vital in fostering a sense of unity and trust among the electorate.