Liberia: UP Massive Gathering Defies Torrential Rain, Sends Ripples Through Ruling CDC

MONROVIA – A staggering crowd of Unity Party supporters convened at the Antoinette Tubman Stadium (ATS) on Sunday to reaffirm their unwavering commitment to elect Ambassador Joseph Boakai as President in the upcoming October elections, despite relentless torrential rain.

The ATS played host to this Octopus-styled gathering, with tens of thousands of fervent UP followers braving the extreme weather to listen to their political leaders address them. The heavy rain, coupled with the lateness of the hour, prevented the UP’s Standard Bearer from delivering his prepared speech. However, in his prepared remarks, Vice President Boakai expressed profound gratitude to his supporters for their dedication in the face of the downpour.

He said: “We are all excited and optimistic about what is now a national call to rally citizens of this great country for a rescue mission to reverse the hardships so many Liberians and their families have been subjected to for the past six years. Senator Koung and I and this great Team promise our unwavering commitment to serve you. WE WILL NOT FAIL YOU!”

He continued: “Today marks the launch of our election campaign, but it is not just a campaign for the presidency and legislature; it is a campaign for you, the voters, and for the future we envision together. I want to assure you that your voices matter, and under our leadership, your concerns will be heard, your dreams will be respected, and your aspirations will be nurtured.”

The 78-year-old Standard Bearer underscored his determination to combat electoral rigging in the October 10 elections. He also pledged readiness to cooperate with international prosecutors to identify and apprehend those who might incite electoral violence, thereby jeopardizing Liberia’s hard-won peace.

Boakai drew solace from the recent statement by the United States government regarding the safeguarding of the election’s integrity.  He said: “First and foremost, let me make it abundantly clear and assure you that any plans or attempts to thwart the will of the Liberian people by stealing these elections will be forcefully resisted by us, the people of Liberia, and the international community, which has invested so much in the peace and stability of this country. And as I said before, we will also leave no stone unturned to work with international prosecutors to expose and arrest those who would foster electoral violence and derail our hard-won peace.”

“While we welcome the imposition of sanctions on those who would attempt to thwart the will of the Liberian people, we call on ECOWAS, the United States, the European Union, the African Union, and organizations such as International Foundation for Electoral System (IFES) to fully, thoroughly and actively engage the process now to avert any threat that will undermine these elections by acknowledging and understanding the significance of identifying and combatting any attempts to undermine this fundamental aspect of our society.”

Characterizing the Weah-led government as responsible for economic hardships, social injustice, inequality, and corruption, Boakai reassured his supporters that his government, if elected, would confront these challenges head-on.

UP Vice Standard Bearer Senator Jeremiah Kpan Koung and Grand Bassa County Senator Nyonblee Karngar Lawrence also lauded Liberians for their massive support. Senator Karngar Lawrence said the massive gathering signifies that Montserrado has confirmed the UP’s one-round victory is sure.

Speaking earlier, Cornelia Kruah-Togba, Montserrado County District #13 Lawmaker said the huge turnout by Liberians from all walks of life was a clear message to President George Weah that his government has failed and Liberia has experienced the worst leadership for the last five years.

She added that the Opposition Unity Party has come to change and rescue Liberia and its people from the Weah-Taylor government.

In an interview earlier, UP National Chairman, Reverend Luther Tarpeh said the gathering was a peaceful revolution of the Liberia people and a clear message to the ruling CDC that their government has failed the Liberian people.