By Bill W. Cooper
President George M. Weah has emphasized that the success of the upcoming October 10, elections is a collective responsibility of all political stakeholders and the general public at large.
Highlighting the importance of a peaceful and democratic transition of power, President Weah called on Liberians, including political actors, for a united effort to ensure a free, fair, credible, and violent free electoral process.
He spoke yesterday, August 2, 2023, during a one-day intensive forum with 2023 presidential aspirants and members of the Board of Commissioners (BoC) of the National Elections Commission (NEC), ECOWAS, and UN-Liberia, on promoting a peaceful 2023 general elections.
The Liberian leader also reiterated his government’s commitment to the principles of democracy and the rule of law, acknowledging that as the incumbent President also seeking reelection, he holds a significant role in shaping the country’s electoral environment.
However, he emphasized that the ultimate outcome of the elections should not be solely determined by him, his government, the NEC, international partners, or an individual, rather, the entire country as a whole.
The President also acknowledged the aspirations of various presidential candidates, recognizing their roles as essential players in the democratic process and urged them to conduct their campaigns with integrity, focusing on the issues that matter most to the Liberian people.
“By refraining from personal attacks and engaging in healthy debates, the candidates can contribute to a positive and informed electoral campaign, and that will be good for our country and the respect for the recently singed Farmington River Declaration by all candidates,” he said.
Furthermore, President Weah urged all Liberians to actively participate in the electoral process, emphasizing that the strength of democracy lies in the hands of the citizens and their ability to make informed choices.
Encouraging the promotion of civic education, he highlighted the importance of every eligible citizen exercising their right to vote, and also called for the preservation of peace and stability throughout the electoral period.
He then reminded all stakeholders of the significant progress Liberia has made since the end of the civil war, emphasizing that maintaining a peaceful environment is crucial for free and fair elections.
He urged political parties and their supporters to resolve their differences through peaceful means, and to refrain from any form of violence or incitement, and stressed the importance of an independent electoral body, free from undue influence, and encouraged all stakeholders to respect the decisions made by the NEC.
The President further emphasized the significance of international observers in ensuring the integrity of the electoral process, and called upon them to send observers to monitor the elections, acknowledging that their presence would add credibility and transparency to the process.
