Monrovia, Liberia – Karishma Pelham-Raad, a longtime member of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) and a former candidate for Montserrado County District #10 Representative, has formally joined the ruling Unity Party (UP) and committed herself to the party’s significant Homecoming mobilization effort on December 6, 2025. Prior to the nationwide celebration and consolidation campaign of the ruling party, her decision represents one of the biggest political changes.
While taking part in a cleanup effort in Monrovia organized by the Unity Party last saturday, Pelham-Raad made her statement. Her announcement of membership instantly increased national political discourse, but her beauty alone attracted notice.
Pelham-Raad was a well-known figure in the party’s grassroots organizations and one of the CDC’s more active mobilizers for many years. A significant reorganization ahead of the next election cycle is indicated by her resignation from the CDC, a party she served “for an extended period,” according to sources.
Although she declined to reveal the precise reasons behind her departure, people close to her political team claim that a combination of long-standing discontent with internal party problems and changing strategic goals led to her choice.
She recently resigned from her position as Assistant Minister for International Organizations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration, which raised questions about her next political move. That conjecture has now been dispelled.
Pelham-Raad was received by Unity Party officials with what many called “open arms and strategic gratitude,” pointing out that her arrival enhances the party’s capacity for mobilization in advance of the celebration on December 6.
A senior UP official told reporters, “We are extremely happy to welcome Karishma Pelham-Raad into the UP family.” “She has made significant contributions to Liberian society, and we are confident that she will play a crucial role in shaping a brighter future for our party.”
She underlined that her choice is consistent with her views on the leadership direction of the UP.
After accepting my membership today, my next goal will be to put in endless effort to ensure the success of our Homecoming on December 6.”
The December 6 mobilization, according to Pelham-Raad, was a “critical national moment” for highlighting the accomplishments and new course of the Boakai administration.
Pelham-Raad offers “experience, visibility, and influence at both the grassroots and national levels,” according to the source, making her an invaluable asset as the party increases its efforts at national participation.
Pelham-Raad hailed the Unity Party as a political organization motivated by accountability, unity, and national reform in a speech given during her party induction. She boldly declared, “I joined the Unity Party because it is a responsible and visionary party.” “The way the nation is run by President Joseph Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Koung demonstrates the UP’s love and determination to further the goals of the Liberian people.”
She underlined that her choice is consistent with her views on the leadership direction of the UP.
“I am thrilled to be here today, and this is just the prelude,” she continued. “After accepting my membership today, my next goal will be to put in endless effort to ensure the success of our Homecoming on December 6.” The December 6 mobilization, according to Pelham-Raad, was a “critical national moment” for highlighting the accomplishments and new course of the Boakai administration.
The Unity Party’s December 6 Homecoming celebration is expected to draw supporters and officials from across the country, as well as members of the Liberian diaspora. Party officials describe the event as a national demonstration of renewed unity, political strength, and the accomplishments of the Boakai-Koung administration.
The celebration will highlight governance milestones, announce new development initiatives, and energize the party’s base ahead of the next political season.
With Pelham-Raad now joining the mobilization machinery, party executives say support for the event is expected to grow even stronger.
Analysts say Pelham-Raad’s move reflects a larger trend of realignments within Liberia’s political landscape. Her shift — just days before a major political mobilization — may encourage others to reevaluate their positions as the ruling party expands its influence.
“This defection is not just symbolic; it is strategic,” one political observer noted. “Karishma has a large following and a solid presence. Her crossing over to the UP sends a strong signal about where the momentum is heading.”
Political sources believe more defections could follow as the December 6 event approaches a development that could significantly shift upcoming political dynamics. As Liberia counts down to December 6, Pelham-Raad’s move is widely interpreted as an endorsement of the Unity Party’s leadership and governance trajectory. It underscores the fluidity of Liberia’s political space, where loyalty increasingly aligns with perceived opportunities for national impact and political visibility.
For now, Pelham-Raad says her attention is fixed on the Homecoming mobilization. “This is a new chapter,” she affirmed. “And I am ready to work.”
