“He who is not with me is against me; and he who does not gather with me scatters.” (Matthew 12:30)

The above scriptural references were the words of Jesus to the Pharisees, who tried to rebuke him and call him Beelzebub (the ruler of the demons) after healing a man who was demon-possessed. According to the Pharisees, Jesus cast out the demons from the man by the power of Beelzebub. 

Responding to their allegation, Jesus averred that anyone who is not for him is against him; and anyone who does not gather with him scatters.

Jesus made these assertions to show that there's no neutrality in the battle between the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Satan. In other words, we can either be for God or against him, for there is no sitting on the fence in the fight between light and darkness.

Similarly, in the upcoming presidential runoff election between the Unity Party (UP) and the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), there is and should be no neutrality. In this runoff election that will determine the trajectory on which our beloved country sails for the next six years, there is and should be no neutral ground. We all, as Liberians, are stakeholders in this runoff election and must take a side by participating. If we refuse to take part in this election, we will be doing injustice to our nation, and posterity will judge us for our silence during this critical period of our national existence.

Let us remember as Liberians, especially those of us who are eligible voters, that our supposed claim of neutrality in this runoff election would, in fact, be a decision against our country. Therefore, let us all turn out like we did in the first round and exercise our constitutional duties by voting the leader of our choice.

We are at a crossroads as a nation, and the runoff election is everybody’s business. Let us go out and vote in the interest of our country, void of any form or manner of violence, remembering the words of Dante Alighieri that “The darkest places in hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of moral crisis.” 

Remember, by voting, we add our voices to the many ensembles that form opinions and the bedrock of actions. And whether we choose to vote or not, whatever decision is taken by those who vote will affect us all as Liberians.

Hence, let us turn out and vote for the leader of our choice, keeping in mind that Liberia is our common denominator and maintaining its stability and peace is our responsibility.

VOTE LIBERIA! VOTE PEACE! VOTE STABILITY!