As the day of our pivotal elections on October 10th draws near, my heart swells with a blend of pride, anticipation, and concern. Liberia stands at the crossroads of her democratic journey, and as I pen this piece, it is my deepest hope that our nation chooses the path of peace and unity.
Having been deeply immersed in humanitarian initiatives for years, particularly a feeding ministry that has touched the lives of over a hundred thousand of our brethren, I’ve witnessed firsthand the profound vulnerabilities many Liberians face daily. Our children and adults, the very heartbeat of our nation, depend on the stability that only a peaceful environment can provide.
While elections are a time to celebrate our democratic spirit, looming shadows of potential electoral violence threaten to tarnish this essence. The whispers of unrest, if they escalate into loud cries, could thrust our nation into chaos.
It's a chaos that goes beyond political disagreements, extending to people's very survival. In the aftermath of violence, basic needs like food become luxuries, compelling our brothers and sisters to venture out of the safety of their homes, exposing them to grave perils.
But does it have to be this way?
Our voice, the collective voice of Liberians, deserves to be heard without the backdrop of violence or the threat thereof. I call upon every Liberian, regardless of political affiliation, to remember the essence of who we are – a resilient people with a rich history and an unwavering spirit. Let our voices echo with the sounds of dialogue, understanding, and unity, rather than discord.
To the international community, our global neighbors, I urge you to stand with Liberia. Lend us your expertise, your influence, and your resources to ensure that our electoral process is both free and safe. Be our pillars, as we stride into a new chapter of our nation's history.
As we head to the polls, let us remember that elections come and go, but our nation remains. Let our legacy to the next generation be one of unity and peace, and not of divisions and strife.
To my fellow Liberians, let’s make our voice heard. Not through violence, but through the very essence of democracy: the ballot. For in that small act, we shape the destiny of our great nation.
Peace be unto Liberia, now and always.
