September 17, 2023, Monrovia, Liberia: Despite adverse weather conditions characterized by heavy rainfall, a multitude of supporters and sympathizers marched through the streets of Monrovia on Sunday and congregated at the ATS Stadium. This event has been deemed by political analysts as the most significant and extensive gathering of supporters in Liberia’s political history, serving as a remarkable display of unwavering backing for Ambassador Joseph Nyumah Boakai’s presidential ambitions.
“You are here today because you want a better Liberia. We are prepared to give you that country for your future. We want to thank you. By God’s help we will provide you the opportunity. You have said it loud and clear today.”
The aforementioned statement was made by Joseph Nyumah Boakai, the Unity Party Standard Bearer and prominent opposition candidate challenging the incumbent President George Weah of the Coalition of Democratic Change (CDC). Boakai expressed his commitment to improving Liberia by ensuring transparency and prosperity during his potential tenure. He emphasized his determination to combat corruption by thoroughly investigating public officials suspected of acquiring wealth through illicit means, and subsequently seizing and returning any unlawfully obtained assets to the public treasury.
Boakai further: “We will not allow the resources of this country to be mortgaged by a few people for their selfish interests. The people of this country and their government under our stewardship will be equal partners in the judicious exploitation of national resources for the good of the people. “If there must be economic growth from the exploitation of our resources, that growth must be equal for our people and must come with development.”
In a firm admonition directed towards President Weah and the CDC’s assertion of securing victory in the initial round of the forthcoming October 10, 2023 election, the UP Standard Bearer proclaimed, “Primarily, I would like to unequivocally emphasize and guarantee that any strategies or endeavors aimed at obstructing the electoral preferences of the Liberian populace through fraudulent means will be met with resolute opposition from both the citizens of Liberia and the international community, which has made substantial investments in the preservation of peace and stability within this nation.”
Boakai expressed his commitment to collaborate with foreign prosecutors to uncover and apprehend individuals who promote election violence and undermine the calm that has been achieved through significant efforts.
Boakai further expressed his commitment to revitalizing Liberia’s reputation on a global scale. He pledged that his tenure would reinstate Liberia’s standing and esteem among the international community. Additionally, Boakai aimed to rectify the country’s current portrayal as a hub for drug trafficking and a magnet for transnational criminal activities. UP standard Bearer further asserted his determination to instill a sense of national pride among Liberians and restore Liberia as a desirable destination for individuals across Africa and the globe.
Expressing concern about the present condition of Liberia under the Presidency of George Weah, the UP-Standard Bearer, Boakai, asserted that since the reinstatement of democratic governance in 2006, the country has reached an unprecedented low. Given the current juncture in Liberia history, there is no more opportune moment than the present for Liberians to make a crucial decision that will safeguard the future of their offspring. Boakai expresses his appreciation for the significant demonstration of support, emphasizing the importance of a democratic effort to remove the current system, combat corruption, halt the continuous depletion of national resources, and establish a government that is both accountable and responsive.
It is worth mentioning that President Weah, who contested the 2017 elections as an opposition candidate, emerged victorious over Boakai in a subsequent runoff. However, considering the duration of President Weah’s six-year administration, it has been characterized by accusations of extensive corruption, misappropriation of public funds, government-sanctioned drug imports, unexplained fatalities, and various other concerns. Consequently, the current political environment in Liberia appears poised for transformation in the upcoming election cycle. Joseph Boakai, with his extensive experience of over 40 years in public service, believes he is fully prepared to spearhead this transformative movement.
It is widely acknowledged that the demonstration of support will yield its most significant influence when UP partisans and well-wishers exercise their voting rights on October 10, casting their ballots in large numbers in favor of the Unity Party Alliance. This collective action, according to Boakai, is crucial in order to witness the desired change. Boakai advised supporters and party members to engage in door-to-door canvassing, encouraging them to accompany their children, parents, family members, friends, and neighbors to the designated polling stations for the purpose of casting their votes. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of remaining watchful in order to safeguard the integrity of the voting process.
“Protect the votes”, Boakai admonished well-wishers and partisans.
“As we embark on this campaign, I ask for your trust, your support, and your vote,” Boakai averred. He added, “Together, we can create a future that we can all be proud of — a future that upholds our shared values, protects our freedoms and promotes the well-being of every citizen. Let us march forward, hand in hand, towards a brighter tomorrow.”
He expressed his hope that the Liberian population, who have initiated a revolution and a large-scale movement, will mobilize and encourage “our citizens to participate in voting for the Unity Party,” so guaranteeing success in the upcoming elections on October 10th.
Joseph N. Boakai expressed a commitment to assume a leadership role characterized by active listening, meaningful engagement, and recognition of the perspectives of all citizens. This approach aims to ensure that every Liberian is afforded the chance to actively contribute in the process of making decisions that impact the nation.
He further that the ideas put forth by individuals will play a crucial role in shaping policies, while the feedback received from citizens will serve as a means of holding his [ JNB’s Presidency] accountable. Collectively, he indicated, his government when elected shall build a governance system that cultivates confidence and promotes open communication.
The commencement of the march for the rally commenced with representatives from the Unity Party Opposition alliance, accompanied by numerous supporters, proceeding on foot from multiple sites within Montserrado County to the Antoinette Tubman Stadium, situated at the intersection of UN Drive and Lynch Streets.
