Citizens of Bomi and Gbarpolu Counties, particularly those in Suehn Mecca District, Gbah, Bopolu, Gbarma, and Kongba Districts respectively have pledged their unflinching support to the re-election bid of incumbent President George Weah.
Speaking one after another on Friday, August 25 in Suehn Mecca, local and traditional leaders including first-time voters pledged their support to Mr. Weah’s re-election bid saying that of the 24th Presidents Liberia has had, he is the only one who has shown much concern for their plights.
They named the construction of the Emirates Hospital in Bopolu, WAEC fees payment and free enrollment at the State run University of Liberia and appointment of their sons in government as some of the imparts his administration has made under six years in their district.
Suehn Mecca, a predominantly Muslim and highly traditional. The district overwhelmingly voted for President Weah in the last elections. In 2017, Weah won 17 out of 18 voting precincts in the district without personally campaigning there.
However, like many other districts outside of Montserrado County, Suehn Mecca lacks stable mobile connectivity and internet services, while economic activities are slow due to bad road networks.
In Bopolu, Gbarpolu County and the Districts of Gbarma and Kongba, citizens made similar pledges and commitments to give President Weah another six years again citing similar achievements as the people in Suehn Mecca and Gbah Districts.
A first-time voter reading an endorsement statement in Suehn Mecca
First-time voters, political leaders, and aspirants including local women leaders cited the gradual developments they have started to witness in their areas under the Weah regime.
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In Gbarma, for example, the President promised to construct a modern market hall during his 2021 county tour. That market hall was dedicated over the weekend when Mr. Weah made a brief campaign stop in the area.
But like citizens in Suehn Mecca, citizens of Gbarma and Kongba Districts also complained about road connectivity. Those in Kongba complained of health services and roads.
Addressing citizens and supporters in these districts, President Weah has been clear- “If you give us another six years, we will continue with what we have started with you in the last 5 years.”
CDC National Campaign Chairman conducting Civic Voter Education on Campaign trail
He told citizens in Suehn Mecca, that their overwhelming support for him will not go unnoticed as he pledged to pave the road from Brewerville in Montserrado County through Suehn Mecca to Gbopopu.
“You gave other presidents 27 years, 12 years…they passed here and did not touch your road. We passed here and have touched your road. We say give us another six years and your road will be paved.”
President Weah explained that the reason for constructing the Emirates Hospital in Gbopolu as a referral hospital in the Western region is due to his plan to pave the roads connecting to the hospital to give citizens access.
Similarly, he promised that his administration once given a second term would work assiduously to pave the 12-mile road linking Tubmanburg to Gbarma and Kongba, while also considering the road from Gbopolu to Gbarma District.
In a brief swipe at his opponents, President Weah said most people are coming to voters and painting a gloomy childhood history as a way of identifying with voters. He said if that was anything to go by, everyone has had a rough upbringing, but it is what you do for the people when you are successful that counts.
Closing with the message of peace, President Weah described campaign messages as commodities being sold in marketplaces. But the market remained peaceful despite the outpouring cries of vendors.
He said it’s the same with campaigns. Politicians, he said, would come to campaign selling their messages. He said this does not call for violence.
He also frowned on the tearing down of opponents’ campaign posters. He said each of the candidates in the race is seeking opportunities to serve and that they are all Liberians.
Mr. Weah concluded his campaign in Gbah on Saturday and is expected to conclude his campaign which started in Bomi County last Monday in Grand Capemount County to bring to end his tour of the Western Region while leaving behind foot soldiers to continue his campaign.
The Western Region which comprises Bomi, Gbarpolu and Grand Capemount Counties has a combined population of 309,951, according to LISGIS 2022 National Housing and Population Census. -Writes Othello B. Garblah
