CDC insists on first-round victory

By Lewis S. Teh

The ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) says no form of violence can deter its quest to win a first-round victory for incumbent President George Manneh Weah in the upcoming October polls.

“Let this serve as a warning that we in the CDC are not moved by empty threat because we have what it takes to maintain any form of violence,” said CDC national secretary general Jefferson Koijee.

Koijee said the CDC has the capacity to maintain and contain any form of violence from who be violators or any member from the opposition bloc.

The CDC Secretary General’s statement comes amidst growing apprehension among opposition actors that the ruling establishment could rig the October presidential elections and stir conflict.

Last week, Nimba County Senator Prince Y. Johnson told a press conference that the impressive turnout exhibited during the opposition Unity Party’s (UP’s) campaign launch on 17 September 2023 is an indication of the people’s resolve to remove President Weah from power.

Mr. Johnson, a political ally of UP standard bearer Amb. Joseph Nyumah Boakai raised a concern about alleged potential election interference by the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC).

The former Liberian warlord threatened to fight back for the cause of the people if the elections were rigged.

“Before the October elections, Liberians are coming out under the banner ‘Don’t Try It’ – any attempt, the people’s power would be exercised like the Arab Spring,” said Sen. Johnson.

“You’ll shoot your gun; you’ll kill us or you’ll die. No more fear, Liberians don’t have fear anymore,” Sen. Johnson said.

Addressing a press conference recently at the CDC headquarters in Oldest Congo Town, Mr. Koijee said not a single member from the opposition bloc can take Liberia back to the old days.

“Make no mistake we have what it takes to contain any form of violence in this country,” he added.

He said this country has been through a lot and the carnage of the past shall never go back or else the people will rise up to the occasion.

“If you ever dream that this country will retrogress than you are a classical bluffer,” Koijee continued.-Edited by Winston Parley