Liberia: Liberia Holds First Presidential Debate

As Liberia gears up for its pivotal October 10 polls,, the nation has witnessed its first presidential debate, a crucial event that could shape the destiny of the seven participants  candidates, who have struggled to make inroad among the voting public.

The debate  yesterday provided each candidates the platform which they have been missing to appeal to voters and secure their support in the race for Liberia's highest office. It is noteworthy that a total of 20 political candidates, including two women, have filed their candidacy for the Liberian presidency, according to the National Elections Commission.

Thematics areas for the debates where the economy, education, agriculture, security, healthcare,  and infrastructure. Other were foreign policy, peace, and reconciliation, youth empowerment, corruption, and gender equity.

The candidates in the room were Simeon Freeman of the Movement for Progress Change; Joshua Tom Turner representing the New Liberia Party; Richard Saye Miller from the Liberians for Prosperity Party; and independent candidate Bendu Alehma Kromah. 

The roster also included Allen  Brown  of the Liberia Restoration Party’ William Wiah Tuider of the Democratic National Allegiance, Sheikh Kouyateh representing the Liberia First Movement, and Edward Appleton  of the Grassroots Development Movement.

On the crucial subject of education, all candidates expressed their commitment to revising the education curriculum to meet international standards and implementing free and compulsory education for all Liberians. Moreover, they vowed to revitalize Liberia's industries, championing "Made in Liberia" initiatives to empower citizens and create job opportunities.

This pivotal event marked the commencement of a two-part series of presidential debates, with the second scheduled for October 6th in Gbarnga, Bong County. Notably, the participation of President George Weah's ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) party and his main challenger, Joseph Boakai of the Unity Party, remains uncertain due to their extensive campaign commitments.

Funded by USAID Media Activity, the 2023 presidential debate aims to promote informed decision-making, enhance electoral transparency, stimulate civic engagement, facilitate policy analysis, and ensure equitable representation of all candidates. 

Lien Bach, Chief of Party for Internews, representing the organizing consortium, emphasized the goal of the debates was intended to support the electoral in making inform decision.

In the sphere of education, all candidates concurred on the need to revamp the education curriculum to meet international standards and to provide free and compulsory education for all Liberians. 

They vowed to foster industrialization within Liberia by revitalizing local manufacturing, enabling more citizens to afford education for their children.