Monrovia, Liberia – The standard bearer of the Collaborating Political Patties (CPP) Alexander Cummings has dismissed the possibility of a first round victory for the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) in the October 10, presidential and Legislative elections.
Speaking at the Unveiling ceremony of the full campaign team members on Friday, August 18, 2023 at the CPP headquarters in Monrovia, Mr. Cummings dismissed the notion and described it as “complete nonsense.”
“I know the President and CDC are talking about a first-round victory, that is complete nonsense. That will not happen because they have failed to provide proper Leadership for the Liberian people; at such, no Liberians, nor any of our international partners should believe that nonsense Campaign statement coming from the CDC-Led government called first round victory for President Weah.
Infact the only person who has the ability of winning the first round is Alexander Cummings and the CPP.
He noted that a legislative seat can be secured with a simple majority, why a presidential candidate must obtain 50 percent plus one of the total votes cast to win the presidency.He asserted that International and Local Observers are skeptical about the possibility of a one-round victory for any candidate due to the substantial number of presidential contenders in the October’s elections.
However, supporters, Sympathizers of the CDC continues to champion the prospect of a one-round victory for incumbent President George Weah and Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor, citing the developmental initiatives their government has undertaken since 2018.
Mr. Cummings stated that the CPP as an opposition party is not deterred about the giant size campaign billboards erected across the country by the CDC with inscription “One round victory is sure.”
The CPP standard bearer however, disagreed and said President Weah and the CDC have let down the Liberian people, thereby making a one-round victory unattainable.
Mr. Cummings argued that the only contender with the potential for a first-round victory is Cummings-Brumskine.
He added that the lives of every Liberian are at stake! The future of our children will be decided by each vote cast.
“We bring a new mindset, vision, and energy, along with a combination of unique leadership perspectives that are needed to propel our country into a 21st-century transformation.
Cummings pointed out that during the 2017 presidential election, when President Weah was at the height of his popularity, he secured only 38 percent of the votes in the first round. Considering President Weah’s “underwhelming” performance over the past six years, Cummings contended that an outright victory in the October polls is unlikely.
Cummings named former Liberian Ambassador to the United Nations and former Minister of Information Lewis G. Brown as his national campaign Chairman ahead of the October 10, 2023 Presidential and Legislative Elections.
Other key appointments made by the CPP standard bearver include Dr. Toga Gayewea McIntosh, former Foreign Minister, as the national advisor; Cllr. Alloysius Toe, Deputy for Legal Affairs; Isaac Vah Tupah, Jr., Deputy for Policy; Cllr. George Gyude Wisner, Deputy for Mobilization and Chairman for Montserrado County; Rev. Josiah Kennedy, Deputy for Logistics; Brisco Toe, Deputy for Auxiliaries; former ANC Chairman Lafayette Gould, Campaign Coordinator and spokesperson, and former Senator Henry Yallah, Chairman of Bong County, among others.
Addressing his supporters at the CPP headquarters in Monrovia, Cummings said that Liberians face a clear choice between the past, the present, and a promising future. He urged Liberians to opt for a brighter and better future by electing him, alongside his vice standard bearer, Cllr. Charlyne Brumskine. Expressing confidence in the voters’ judgment, he stated that he believes Liberians will make the right decision.
For his part Amb. Brown criticized President Weah and the party for flooding the streets and light poles with campaign posters, interpreting it as a sign of failure.
“I want to remind the Liberian people, I want to remind President Weah that it is his responsibility as President of this country to maintain the peace in Liberia. It is his responsibility as President to ensure free, fair and transparent elections in the country; It is his constitutional responsibility to keep our country strong.”
Ambassador Brown Lauded Cummings for the trust placed in him and vowed to lead the 2023 campaign to victory. He argued that if President Weah had performed well, there would be no need to blanket the streets with his image after six years of Leadership.
He added that a president who has genuinely served the people and achieved success would not need such tactics to convince the electorates. He said the action by the CDC Led-government clearly indicates the failure of the government Mr. Brown added.
