Promise to make a difference in Liberia
As the 2023 presidential and legislative elections fast approach, political parties are making concerted efforts to amalgamate forces under one voice to democratically make President George Manneh Weah a one-term President.
Three political parties, the Democratic People’s Party of Liberia (DPPL) of Reverend David Kemu, the National Democratic Coalition (NDC) of Prof. Alaric Tokpa, and the Vision of Liberia Transformation (VOLT) of Dr. Jeremiah Whappoe, on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, signed a declaration of intention leading to the formalization of a proposed alliance to be known as the Democratic Alliance of Liberia(DAL)
Two persons each from the three political parties signed the declaration along with the leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters of Liberia, Emmanuel Gonguoi along with three other private individuals representing persons of influence in the society.
Rev. David Kiamu and Attorney Dickson Tamba, National Chairman of DPPL signed for the party, Thomas Kaydor and Siapha Gbollie signed for the NDC while Dr. Whappoe and Mr. Gbowuah signed for VOLT.
Prof. Alaric Tokpah, organizing Chairperson of the DAL who read the Declaration of Intent said the Democratic Alliance of Liberia emerges to reassure the Liberian people and all that help is on the way against economic deprivation and rampant corruption, and mysterious deaths and shall remain open to work with patriotic Liberians to move Liberia forward as he lay the basis and pinpoint issues for the forward match of the Alliance in building an inclusive democratic society.
Reading the statement of the intent of the Democratic Alliance of Liberia, DAL, the organizing Chairperson, Prof. Alaric Tokpa said the leaders of opposition political parties along with patriotic and well-meaning individual Liberians have decided to come together as a body under one leadership for the purpose of jointly participating in the democratic process within the Republic of Liberia.
“We, therefore, agreed to commit ourselves to campaign together around the interest of the Liberian people in erecting a government that will promote justice for all, unify the country, builds peace and stability to encourage foster economic development, serve the best interest of Liberia and continue to bring dignity to the Country.”
He noted that even though constituent members have all organized their political parties to pursue state power for love as well as devotion and loyalty to the best interest of Liberia now makes it imperative for them to step aside from their parties and ideological differences placed in the back seat. The presidential ambition in their respective political parties and corporate as an alliance of patriot parties, devoted interest groups as well as democratic and peace-loving Liberians.
Accordingly, they unanimously agreed to work together and negotiate the selection of the best candidate for Liberia in the upcoming presidential and general elections. “We dedicate our sides to mobilization in every sector of the Liberian society at home and abroad and to working together for the development of one platform and the event to electoral victory, in implementing a strategy for people-centered national development in working together to protect the best interest of Liberia.
Speaking further. the NDC Political Leadership, said the political parties and affiliates of other parties and organizations, the DAL shall base its association on the principles of unflinching loyalty to the Country, dedication to the democratic process, mutual respect, honesty, respect for constituted authority, consensus building, DAL understand agreed emphasized that they shall negotiate and build consensus for one presidential candidate and encourage negotiation between the parties for effective participation in legislative elections.
“We shall therefore work on a common platform to truck a manifesto as an instrument of governance and protocol of coordination that sticks to the people’s agenda for national progress, that which under a DAL government shall be accountable”, he added. In the event of electoral victory, efforts shall be made by the DAL government to improve human resource quality. He continued they shall try to improve social service, and shall include qualified Liberians in government without regard to party affiliation, political orientation, religious belief, and regional linguistics and cultural background.
“In view of the above, we unanimously agreed to stand behind one presidential candidate in the 2023 presidential elections, we have decided in our determination to reduce the number of political parties. Liberia and to promote quality involvement in the democratic process. And this we have resolved to create a government that will honor, and protect the constitution of Liberia, respect and serve in the best interest of the Liberian people, and work with ECOWAS, the African Union, the Government of the United States of America, European Community, intergovernmental institutions, including the United Nations, international non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders for achievement and corporation, peace, stability and development in Liberia, West African sub-region, Africa and the world at large”, he told the gathering.
He averred that the institution shall therefore proceed to rely on the constitution proceeding for the registration of the Democratic Alliance of Liberia with the National Elections Commission of the Republic of Liberia, as a testimony that the constituent members of the Alliance have signed to document that holds them under one umbrella, at the national headquarters of the Democratic Alliance of Liberia, Old Road, Monrovia, Liberia, on Wednesday, May 25, 2022.
When DAL becomes a full pledge political party, then it will be the third coalition of political parties in the country following the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP) and the Rainbow Alliance. Even though it was observed the presence of stalwarts from Unity Party, All Liberian Party, and Lofa County Electoral District #1 Representative Francis Nyumalin, there has not been any indication yet whether DAL will further merge with other political parties to strengthen their chances in 2023.
Reported by: Stephen G. Fellajuah
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