By Bill W. Cooper
Liberia’s political landscape is said to be heating up since the pronouncement of the official opening of campaigning activities by the National Elections Commission (NEC) across Liberia.
Alexander Cummings of the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP), delivering his first campaign message at a press conference Saturday, August 5, 2023, wasted no time in taking jabs at his political opponents, precisely President Weah and UP’s Boakai.
Mr. Cummings, like other candidates, is facing a serious challenge from incumbent President George M. Weah, former vice president Joseph Boakai of the Unity Party (UP), and Tiawan Gongloe of the Liberian People’s Party (LPP).
With fiery rhetoric, he criticized the leadership of President Weah, including the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf administration, of which Boakai served as vice president for 12 years, of failing to address the pressing issues that plague Liberia.
He said, “As we engage these campaign periods, be mindful of who you vote for because the direction of your children will be decided based on the vote you cast on October 10.”
“The decision of October 10 can worsen the condition we are in today, taking us backwards to the past of squandered opportunities or move us forward onto a brighter future,” he said.
However, Cummings’ comments, which many see as jibes thrown at the former VP, is in total response to a statement made by Boakai during the 2017 Presidential and Legislative elections.
Ambassador Boakai, during the 2017 elections, when quizzed about his government’s performance said, “We did what we could do but yet, we squandered a lot of opportunities. We could have done more than what we did, especially so with the support we received.”
This statement by the former VP has since gone viral, with many using it as a campaign message against his presidential bid, thus calling on the citizenry to reject him during the October 10 polls.
Cummings further accused the Weah administration of corruption and mishandling the economy, leading to widespread poverty and lack of opportunities for the Liberian people.
The CPP leader, who is also a former Coca-Cola executive, during his well-attended press conference at his CPP headquarters in Monrovia, also unveiled his platform to tackle corruption and abuse of power in the country if elected.
He said, “Weah promised change, but what we have witnessed is a continuation of the same old politics,” Cummings noted, highlighting his commitment to bring genuine change to Liberia.
He further questioned other political candidates’ ability to provide fresh solutions, bragging that he is the best, most suited, and qualified candidate to bring about the change that Liberians so desire.
Central to Cummings’ campaign is his pledge to tackle corruption and end stealing in public offices head-on, emphasizing that corruption undermines the country’s progress, hampers economic growth, and perpetuates social inequality.
If elected, the CPP candidate also promised to implement comprehensive measures to root out corruption and hold accountable those responsible, regardless of their political affiliations.
Another major issue that Cummings aims to tackle is the abuse of power, expressing concern about the misuse of government resources, favoritism, and lack of transparency, things he said undermine the trust between the government and its citizens.
Additionally, Mr. Cummings outlined his plans to strengthen institutions, promote good governance, and ensure that public officials uphold the highest ethical standards.
In addition to fighting corruption and abuse of power, Cummings emphasized his commitment to improving education, healthcare, and infrastructural development, as well as promised to prioritize investment in quality education to provide Liberian children with a brighter future, and to also bring initiatives to enhance healthcare services and access across the country.
Cummings also highlighted the importance of developing transportation networks, electricity, and clean water systems to boost economic growth and improve living standards through massive road construction.
He also pledged to prioritize the country’s economy, agriculture sector, as well as ensure massive job creation and the prioritizing of Liberian owned businesses to succeed in an increasingly competitive world.
Cummings, who stressed the importance of establishing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, which would create employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth, further outlined his proposed strategies, which include attracting both local and foreign investments, and implementing policies that promote entrepreneurship and innovation.
Meanwhile, Cummings also stressed the need for national unity and reconciliation, aiming to bridge political and ethnic divides that have hindered progress in Liberia, appealing to all Liberians to come together and work collectively towards a better future, irrespective of their background or political affiliation.
As the campaign for the presidency intensifies, the Liberian people will closely observe the campaigns, evaluating the promises made and the credibility of each candidate’s proposals.
Furthermore, with the elections approaching, Liberia stands at a critical juncture, seeking a leader who can rejuvenate the country’s economy, restore public trust, and foster unity among its citizens.
