—- As UP Supporters Take to the Street in Ganta, Nimba County
IPNEWS: The ruling Coalition for Democratic Chance (CDC), says it has call-off a planned victory march slated for today Friday, November 17, 2023.
In a statement issued late Thursday, CDC National Chairman, Mulbah K. Morlu stated that the Party’s decision to call of today’s planned victory march is in adherence to a statement issued by the Justice Ministry warning.
Morlu stated that the CDC planned Celebration of Victory will be announced immediately after Final Results is announced by the National Elections Commission-NEC.
“No Mass Gathering Tomorrow!”
“In view of recent Statements from the Ministry of Justice that ‘NO PRE-VICTORY PARADE IS ALLOWED’, the CDC requests all partisans to stay home & await NEC’S FINAL results announcement, after which the CDC planned celebration of victory will be announced.”
“Respect for the Rule of Law, which distinguishes the mighty Coalition for Democratic Change from all the others, will continue to be upheld even as the CDC looks forward to UNDISPUTED VICTORY tomorrow. “ A statement by Mulbah K. Morlu read.
Late Thursday, November 16, Liberia’s Joint Security warned all political parties in the Presidential Runoff Election thinking of getting into the streets to carry out “victory parades”, to desist.
The Joint Security statement stated that “It has come to the attention of the Joint Security of Liberia that the two Political Parties involved in Tuesday, 14th November 2023 Presidential Run-Off Elections have begun preparing their various partisans and supporters for pre-victory celebration Friday, 17th November 2023.”
“As cautioned earlier, before the runoff, the Joint Security of Liberia is reinforcing its mandate that there will be no such pre-victory celebrations by any political party before the National Elections Commission shall have announced the final results and declared the winner of the Presidential Runoff Election.”
“The Joint Security calls on the leaderships of the two Political Parties to exercise control over their partisans and supporters, as well as demonstrate a high degree of political maturity and sensitivity, during this crucial time in the country’s democratic sojourn to preserve our cherished peace and tranquility.”
“The Joint Security will continue to monitor the situation, including social media platforms, and will hold accountable under the laws of Liberia anyone who incites chaos that leads to violence.” The statement concludes.
The Joint Security, which is headed by the Ministry of Justice, then assured Liberians and all other residing within the country’s borders of “an unbridled security” and asked them to go about their normal activities.
Meanwhile supporters of the opposition Unity Party in vote rich Nimba County last evening erupted into joyous celebration after the National Elections announced preliminary results in which opposition Unity Party widened its lead from the just ended runoff presidential election.
Leading the celebration were residents of the commercial hub of Ganta. Led by the UP-Campaign Manager of the county, Nyan Tuayen, the supporters gathered outside of their party headquarters to celebrate election “victory.”
As the electoral commission announced over 80 percent of the national votes, which put the Unity Party in the lead, residents took to the streets in celebration, expressing their optimism about a potential change in leadership.
The enthusiasm of the Nimba County residents reflects their hope for political change and a desire for a different direction for the country. Their enthusiasm is also partly due to the strong possibility of one of their kin being poised to be announced the next Vice President of Liberia. However, there are also critics who caution against premature celebrations, emphasizing the importance of waiting for the final official results.
Located in the northern part of Liberia, and bordering both Ivory Coast and Guinea, Nimba has historically played a critical role in the country’s politics. With a significant population and strong grassroots support, the county has the potential to heavily influence the outcome of a presidential election.
Nimba County, predominantly Dan and Mano, overwhelmingly voted for the Unity Party in both the first round and the runoff, giving the party over 125,000 so far with a little over 75 percent of the votes counted in the runoff.
“We are celebrating to give ourselves the zeal of victory or make ourselves happy, while still awaiting the final result from NEC,” said one Levi Goanue,” a motorcyclist.
On Thursday, November 16, NEC announced 86.71 percent of polling places across the country (5,107 out of 5,890).
The UP obtained 712,741 or 50.58% of the votes counted, while the ruling CDC has got 696,520 or 49.42% of the votes counted so far.
“The vote is so tight, but we need to make ourselves happy,” said a street vendor in Ganta, only identified as Esther.
The NEC also announced 78.8 percent of the polling places in Nimba, which is 580 out of 736. The UP obtained 109,694 votes, accounting for 71.57 percent, while the CDC got 43,564 votes, constituting 28.43 percent.
“We are overjoyed that George Weah is out, our suffering is finished, and more jobs are coming for us,” said one of the celebrating partisans of UP on the main streets of Ganta.
While yesterday’s announcement constitutes a substantial chunk of the total votes, it is important to note that the current vote count does not represent the final outcome of the election, because the margin between the two candidates is slim. However, critics argue that celebrating prematurely may lead to false hopes and disregard the possibility of electoral irregularities or challenges during the tabulation process.
Despite the UP lead, some supporters of the ruling party are still hopeful of victory, arguing that the final 14% of votes left will bring them victory.
“We are sure of victory,” said Josiah Gbuseh Jr, a strong supporter of CDC, “because nearly all of UP’s strongholds have been checked and what is left now is our stronghold.”
While the preliminary results show the Unity Party in the lead, it is imperative to wait for the official final results from the electoral commission, political observers say. This will ensure transparency and uphold the integrity of the electoral process. Only then can a true celebration or acceptance of the election’s outcome be justified.
As the country awaits the final official results, it is essential to encourage calm and respect for the democratic process. Regardless of individual affiliations, all Liberians should come together to support a peaceful and transparent election that reflects the will of the people.
In a related development, authorities at the Liberia National Police (LNP) have denied reports suggesting that it has assigned two additional escort vehicles to the convoy of Unity Party Standard Bearer Amb. Joseph Boakai after preliminary results from the November 14, runoff poll put him slightly ahead of incumbent President George Weah.
In a statement issued Thursday, November 16, LNP spokesperson Mr. Moses Carter described the report as false and misleading.
“The attention of the Liberia National Police has been drawn to false reports being circulated on social media and other electronic platforms of two additional LNP siren vehicles being added to the convoy of the Unity Party Standard Bearer, Ambassador Joseph Boakai.
Those circulating said reports are urged to desist, as the LNP remains focused in providing security for every Liberian,” the statement signed by Mr. Carter said.
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