Liberia: CPP Officially Dissolved

The Collaborating Political Parties, one of the major political alliances that participated in the 2023 general and presidential elections, has officially been dissolved.

The dissolution, which comes nearly five months after the polls, releases the constituent parties, including the Alternative National Congress (ANC) and fractured Liberty Party (LP), to go their separate ways.

As one of the consequential political institutions from its inception, before the elections, the CPP showed its strength during the 2020 special senatorial elections when it regained nearly half of the senatorial seats from the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change. However, such prowess was short-lived when seeds of discord were sown for the dismantling of the party barely two years later. By the 2023 presidential elections, its political capital had irreparably diminished when its standard bearer, Alexander B. Cummings, came in a distant 5^th place in the presidential race.

Despite the dismal performance, the CPP life has come to an end with stakeholders expressing gratitude for being part of the experience.

On Monday, April 15, at the press conference held to announce the CPP’s closure, leaders emphasized unity, accountability, and a shared vision for Liberia's future, pledging to continue their advocacy for a prosperous and inclusive Liberia.

As a grateful standard bearer of the collaboration, Cummings lauded the leaders, partisans, and well-wishers of the two parties.

“I feel enriched by your trust and the shared experiences of working with all of you. From the bottom of my heart, I thank the Liberian people for allowing us into their homes and lives,” he said. “We will never forget the welcoming spirit of our people and their pleas for a change in the conditions of their lives and communities.” 

Reflecting on the CPP's journey, Cummings acknowledged that there were trials faced and treachery encountered, but emphasized their unwavering commitment to their promises. “Change is a process, not an event. Liberia's potential is boundless, and we must bridge the gap between our resources and the welfare of our people,” he said.

As the CPP concludes its chapter, Cummings vowed to remain engaged, holding the Unity Party (UP)-led government accountable and collaborating with Liberians to realize their shared aspirations for Liberia.

Charlyne M. Brumskine, Vice Standard Bearer of CPP and Political Leader of LP emphasized that the CPP's formation was driven by a desire for good governance and policy adherence, not merely opposition to the ruling party. 

“CPP was not made to attack the ruling administration (CDC), but to ensure that policy was followed, to ensure good governance, and to ensure critical engagement,” she added.

She expressed gratitude to supporters and fellow party members for their belief in her, particularly Representative Musa Bility, and the Liberty Party for their unwavering support.

Bility, Party Chairman of the Liberty Party and National Chairperson of CPP described the party's closure as both a solemn moment and a cause for celebration.

He celebrated the unprecedented peaceful conclusion of the CPP, contrasting it with Liberia’s history of contentious political transitions.

“For the first time in our country, a political arrangement has seen a calm and successful closure,” he said. “All the time in Liberia, it is always easy to get together as politicians and political parties. So far, history shows us that the ending has always been acrimony.”

Bility assured supporters that while the CPP as an organization may be concluding, its vision for a better Liberia remains unchanged. He reaffirmed the Liberty Party's commitment to opposition collaboration, emphasizing their role as a vigilant opposition political party.

The CPP, whose deal was sealed on April 25, 2020, initially comprised the largest four opposition political parties, Unity Party, Liberty Party, ANC, and All Liberian Party, who saw the need to amalgamate forces to keep the then-ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) feet to the fire, and subsequently provide alternative leadership for the country.

“We, the Members of the Collaborating Political Parties (All Liberian Party, Alternative National Congress, Liberty Party, and Unity Party): Recognize that there is strength in unity and oneness of purpose; Knowing that with the grace and guidance of God, our Creator and with the support of the Liberian people we can harness our peace through a solid democratic foundation that will curtail all forms of corruption, injustices, marginalization, suppression and oppression,” the preamble of the collaborative framework said.

The group said it was convinced that “our coming together will fulfill the Liberian people’s long-awaited alternative to democratic governance anchored on the provision of basic social services to our people; Have resolved as follows: The four independent collaborating political parties have agreed to form an Alliance to be named and styled the Collaborating Political Parties with the acronym CPP.”

Despite the ambitious dream, an internal crisis that rocked the collaboration abruptly aborted its vision for the country. This meant that constituent parties left the collaboration one after the other.

Meanwhile, Cummings has hailed Liberia’s democratic evolution, asserting that it stands stronger than ever. In a passionate address at CPP headquarters in Congo Town, he extended heartfelt appreciation to all Liberians, urging continued commitment to responsible leadership and vigilant citizenship.

“We may not have secured victory in the recent elections, but our principles remained unyielding. We have shown that leadership can be honorable, keeping promises to the Liberian people despite challenges,” Cummings declared. 

He stressed the importance of a united political landscape where differences in tribe, religion, gender, and party affiliation don’t hinder Liberia's inclusive development.

“Liberia is too rich for Liberians to continue to be so poor and are too connected — desiring the same opportunities to care for ourselves and our families — to continue to be so divided by tribe, religion, gender, and political parties,” he said.