Liberia: Weah Commits to Free, Fair, and Transparent Elections in 2023
....“I pledge my unrelenting support for elections that are free, fair, transparent, and credible and peaceful,” Weah said.
President George Weah has promised that the 2023 elections would be free and fair, saying it is important for the country’s democracy.
The President, who made a similar promise when he met US President Joe Biden at the US-Africa summit, noted that he is committed to ensure that the elections are conducted in an atmosphere that is conducive for citizens to freely exercise their sacred constitutional rights to choose those who will lead them.
“I, therefore, want to call upon every Liberian today, to commit themselves to behavior that promotes peace and lawfulness throughout these elections. For my part, I have placed myself on record on many previous occasions, when I have pledged my unrelenting support for elections that are free, fair, transparent, and credible and peaceful,” Weah said yesterday while lighting this year's national Christmas tree on the grounds of the Executive Mansion.
“ I now ask for a similar pledge from all who will participate in these upcoming elections, both the leaders and their followers. Let me say again, that I will do all that is legally within my power to ensure that the coming elections are conducted in an atmosphere that is conducive for citizens to freely and safely exercise their sacred constitutional right to choose those who will lead them. The voices of the Liberian people will, and must, be heard and respected,” the president said.
The commitment from Weah is similar to that he made to Biden a few days ago in Washington D.C., saying his government remains committed to ensuring free, fair, and transparent elections in 2023.
The meeting with Biden, which involves Presidents Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ali Bongo Ondimba of Gabon, Andry Nirina Rajoelina of Madagascar, Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria, and Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, ended with a commitment to “free, fair and transparent elections” that would be conducted by independent national electoral bodies, according to a White House statement.
“The elections in Africa in 2023 will be consequential. While the United States does not support any specific candidate or party, the United States is committed to supporting electoral processes to deepen democracy in Africa,” the White House added.
The White House noted that the United States is committed to supporting electoral processes to deepen democracy in Africa. It added that the Biden administration plans to provide over US$165 million to support elections and good governance in Africa in 2023, with Liberia expected to benefit as well.
According to the President, the elections in 2023 are important as it presents the opportunity for Liberians to demonstrate to the world the maturity of the country’s democracy “through the conduct of elections that are free, fair, transparent, and credible.”
The Liberian leader then noted that Liberians have come to the end of one of the most significant years in the country’s history — the commemoration of its bicentennial anniversary of its journey towards nationhood and independence.
"The peace that we have enjoyed for more than two decades now, should never be taken for granted. It must be appreciated, celebrated, protected, and preserved, not only at Christmas, but throughout the coming year," he said. “We must also equally reflect on the fact that this Christmas is a prelude to a coming year which will also be another very significant milestone for Liberia.”
Weah said Liberians must all be particularly grateful that they are living in a time of peace, saying it is the responsibility of every Liberian to commit themselves to behavior that promotes peace and lawfulness throughout these elections.
“Let us resolve to always use dialogue to address our differences, rather than violence, and let us remember that there is so much more that unites us, than that which divides us. We are Liberians, first and foremost, so let us celebrate the diversity in our unity,” the president said.
The President also called on all Liberians, wherever they may be under the sound of his voice, to join hands and continue to build a better Liberia for all.
“And so I now call on all Liberians, wherever you may be under the sound of my voice, to join hands so that we can continue to build a better Liberia for us all. Together, we are stronger. United, we are invincible,” Weah said.