By Bill W. Cooper
A member of the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), Massayan Koikoi, expressed strong criticism against the recently held Montserrado County District 9 primary held at the party’s headquarters in Congo Town.
The primary, which was intended to determine the party’s candidate for the upcoming general elections in the district faced backlash from aspirant Koikoi, who claims that the process was marred by irregularities and manipulation.
Koikoi, a long-time advocate for fair and transparent process, voiced his concerns during a press conference held yesterday, July 3, 2023 in Monrovia.
Flanked by hundreds of his supporters, Koikoi wasted no time in describing the primary as “a blatant disregard for democratic principles and the will of the people of District.”
However, his outburst comes days after he was heavily defeated by incumbent Representative, Frank Saah Foko.
Koikoi also accused Monrovia City Mayor, Jefferson Koijee, who is the primary committee chair of manipulating the process in favor of Rep. Foko whom he accused of being a ‘bag boy and relative to.’
One of the main grievances raised by Koikoi was the committee’s refusal to respond to his earlier warning over the firm and manner in which the process was being conducted.
According to him, he wrote and addressed two separate communications to both Mayor Koijee and the CDC chairman, Mulbah Morlu informing them about his concerns but lamented that the both party hierarchy reneged on addressing his concerns and went ahead to hold the primary.
He argued, were not only unjust but also raised doubts about the integrity of the entire primary process as well as further put the CDC chances of winning the October 10, polls in jeopardy on grounds that said action might also cause the party to lose the people of District 9 votes.
“The CDC primary was supposed to be a fair and open process, where the best candidate would emerge based on merit and the support of the people. Instead, it has become a platform for personal interest,” Koikoi declared.
Meanwhile, Koikoi’s criticism has further resonated with a significant portion of his supporters and sympathizers who were also heard expressing their solidarity with Koikoi, calling for a thorough investigation into the alleged irregularities.
Koikoi’s supporters and sympathizers also believed that the allegations, if left unaddressed, could have far-reaching consequences for the CDC’s prospects in District 9.
The party, traditionally known for its strong grassroots support, may face a decline in public trust if the concerns raised by Koikoi are not adequately addressed.
