Monrovia, Liberia – In the midst of a highly anticipated and competitive by-election in Liberia, a Liberian Journalist based in the America’s, has urged political actors and the general public to embrace the principles of “nonviolence” and maintain the nation’s commitment to a peaceful, democratic process. Success Minor, is the President of the Association of Liberian Journalists in the America’s (ALJA’s) Midwest Chapter.
Africa’s first democratic nation, Liberia, goes to the polls in a scheduled November 14, 2023 by-election which will witness long cues of energized electorates to decide whether incumbent leader, Amb. George M. Weah of the Coalition for Democratic Change retains his position or his fierce contender, 82 year-old Joseph N. Boakai of ex-ruling Unity Party assumes state power.
Speaking in an exclusive telephone interview with KMTV’s International Desk Editor (Emmanuel Sumoson Davies), Mr. Minor implored Liberians to remain peaceful and law-abiding during and after the electoral process while cautioning them to see the country as a ‘Bigger Picture’ and make a nationalistic decision that will take the nation to another level.
“As we gear up for the polls on November 14, let’s make it our patriotic responsibility to prioritize Peace, Safeguard Democracy, and protect the peace the country has achieved over the years. As a politician myself, let me use this medium to appeal to my colleagues to stand for what they believe in and discourage any act by their supporters or partisans that has the propensity to derail the hard-earned peace of the Country”, Mr. Minor averred.
He named political tolerance, use of legal process, civic education and other conflict resolution mechanisms as instruments that should be used to resolve electoral disagreements.
Mr. Minor also used the occasion to call on the National Elections Commission to create a level plain field for all and ensure accountability, credibility and transparency be the hallmark of the 2023 elections.
The Association of Liberian Journalists in the America’s executive meanwhile challenged his professional colleagues back home to at all times report the truth and ensure that believability becomes the hallmark of their daily reportage.
The Liberian US-based media practitioner is quoted as saying, “avoid fake news and misinformation that will hinder the peace and forward march of our beloved Country”.
