-- Partisans demand accountability for 2023 campaign funds, call for robust reforms within coalition
A group of dedicated partisans of the former ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) are demanding transparency and accountability from the leadership of the party's 2023 electoral team. Members of the group, under the nomenclature, "We the People," are also demanding detailed reports from the coalition's leadership and those who headed the CDC 2023 national campaign on how the coalition'S electoral funds were spent and what led to the painful presidential defeat.
"We the People" is also pushing for immediate reforms within the party to make it more vibrant and once more attractive to the Liberian populace.
In a statement released on Thursday, May 30, the group expressed unwavering support for the party's political leader, former President George Weah, and hastily called for immediate reforms within the party -- which they believe would ensure that the political institution becomes more vibrant and adheres to all democratic tenets.
The statement, signed by Jerome Saydee, Jr., spokesperson for "We the People," comes on the heels of a disheartening electoral defeat and a period of silence and inactivity from the party's current leadership.
Members of "We the People" are known for their steadfast commitment to the CDC and have sacrificed much for the party. They reiterated their commitment to the coalition's principles and vision. However, the recent electoral defeat has triggered significant concern among its members about the party's direction and the urgent need for decisive action to address critical issues threatening their unity and effectiveness.
Post-Electoral Silence and Accountability
The group expressed deep dismay at the party's silence following the electoral defeat, describing it as damaging to the morale and trust of their supporters. They highlighted the lack of transparency and accountability regarding the mismanagement of campaign funds, pointing fingers at those responsible for the defeat who have yet to take responsibility for their actions.
"The current party leadership lacks any strategic direction, leaving us adrift in a time when strong, decisive leadership is more critical than ever," Saydee said.
Weak Leadership and the Call for Change
In their statement, "We the People" emphasized the urgent need for a change in leadership, citing the current leaders' inability to effectively challenge the Boakai administration on critical national issues. They called for an immediate convention to be held no later than August 31, 2024, where grassroots members would have the opportunity to decide the next crop of leaders.
"We cannot afford to have incompetent and docile leaders who fail to represent the interests of our party and the people of Liberia," the statement read. "This democratic process will ensure that our leadership is chosen by those who have the party's best interests at heart and are committed to upholding our values and principles."
Condemnation of Inaction by CDC Lawmakers
The group also condemned the inaction of CDC lawmakers who have refused to challenge the Boakai administration on crucial national issues. They described this inaction as a betrayal of the trust placed in them by the people and demanded that these lawmakers fulfill their responsibilities or cease to hold any serious role in the party.
Saydee remarked, "The silence on matters of national importance is not only a disservice to our supporters but also undermines our role as a leading political force in Liberia. We must be vocal and proactive in addressing the concerns and needs of the Liberian people."
A Call to Action
The statement concluded with a clear warning: failure by the executive committee to take action on a convention would result in mobilizing the people against the party leadership. The group made it clear that their fight would not be against the Boakai regime but against the incompetent and docile party leadership.
"We the People stand ready to work alongside President George Weah and any new leadership chosen by the convention to rebuild and strengthen the CDC. Our commitment to the party and its ideals remains steadfast, but we cannot move forward without addressing the critical issues that have led to our current state of disarray," said Saydee. "Let us come together to restore our party's integrity, accountability, and strategic direction. The future of our party and our nation depends on our ability to confront these challenges head-on and emerge stronger and more united than ever."
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A top official of the coalition has told the Daily Observer that the leadership will do a responsible response to the partisans at an appropriate time.
"They are members of our coalition and they do have the right to raise issues, especially matters that they are not satisfied with," said the official, who asked for his identity to remain undisclosed since he is not clothed with the authority to respond on behalf of the coalition. "We will do our best to listen to people who feel dissatisfied over how things are proceeding and we will listen to their suggestions.
He, however, noted that what the leadership will not condone is "people who think they will push us to do things their way. We all must find the best way to move our party forward. But believing that your way is the best way, and we are forced to follow, is not possible. We will not take that," the party official said.
