I am forever prepared for reasonable debates. Trivial commentaries that have NO basis in reasoning will be treated with the utmost contempt they deserve. Our expressed support has been met with an “unreasonable” persecution - clearly NOT based on differences of ideology but trivialities - many bordering on the insane.
One can only wonder the hugs and false show of love if our support had gone to one of the CDC’s opponents. Liberians should be aware that we are NOT in this fight for material gains. We believe an empowered people are capable of making sound decisions that could positively impact their lives.
While “tainted” Bropleh is still engaged in changing minds and changing hearts we opt for a revival of the very soul of our nation. Despite the many personal attacks, we REMAIN resolute in our show of support and desire to effect positive change in Liberia.
Remember Liberians, we are all entitled to our political beliefs. As we engage in the upcoming classic battle of 2011 Let’s do so with the greater good of our nation in mind. I, will do my part to ensure that Liberian politics is no more viewed as a “game of death” but an arena wherein great debates are held and victories are achieved on the contents of ideas and their potential to transform our motherland.
Benjamin Kofa Fyneah
Gainesville, Florida
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( 3.1 / 110 )Much have been debated and proffered regarding the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) apprehension(s) in opening up its fold and allowing the influx of so-called educated and middle class Liberians into its ranks. This is a delicate issue that demands careful scrutiny.
There are the “original” partisans who believe having toiled for so long and hard and within reach of the ultimate price they should be “adequately” rewarded/revered for their time and effort. On the other hand there are those who believe they can enhance the CDC stature and political fortunes by their expertise and know-how. The CDC it seems is primed for a classic civil war .
The CDC leadership machinery should be very careful about how it handles this situation for it has the potential of engulfing the party in a drawn out internal feud that could significantly weaken its ability to pose any serious political threat to the ruling UP come 2011.
Make no mistake, these divisions will be overplayed by the CDC's antagonists. Slavish members of the media who are consumed by their anti-CDC sentiments will be ready to exaggerate and over-report any hint(s) of divisions within the CDC for obvious reasons.
I will plead with “new” members (some lured by potential success and or new found political relevance) to display a level of respect and reasonableness for the party they seek to join. Understandably MOST will be viewed with skepticisms - joining the gravy train this late in the game ! There will be questions of loyalty and suspicions of “fifth columnists” activities. New members should engage skeptical “original” partisans with understanding and demonstrate the sincerity of their willingness and ability to serve. Existing methodologies and modes of operation should be enhanced, NOT thrashed for so-called “better ideas”. Any hint of a “hostile takeover” will be the worst thing that could befall the CDC at this critical juncture.
Original members on the other hand should welcome their brothers and sisters - who apparently have sat on the fence for far too long - with open arms and a sense of “unity of purpose“. Being the originators of an idea or organization does NOT guarantee OWNERSHIP ! The dynamics of politics and the human condition of "change" are bound to impact any large social organization.
The manner in which the CDC handles its internal “change” and its appreciation for diversity and inclusion will go a long way in ensuring its future success(es). Remember, in union strong success is sure, we CANNOT fail !
Meanwhile, the UP and her allies on the other hand just have to stand aside, watch and hope the CD worst fears are realized.
Benjamin Kofa Fyneah
Gainesville, Florida
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( 2.9 / 104 )Smarting from a convincing win against the ruling party in the recent Montserrado county senatorial by-election the CDC must be currently consumed by a sense of its invincibility. While Liberians from all walks of life welcome this show of democratic maturity the CDC might have unknowingly cast herself onto the pinnacle of Liberian politics unrehearsed.
It is widely expected, the world over, that the main opposition party serves as a “shadow” government. At this juncture one would expect the CDC to take the government to task in regards to its policies and programs that the CDC would deem failures and out and out maladministration.
I believe this cannot transpire because the CDC is ill prepared for national leadership at the highest level. I will plead that readers grant me the benefit of the doubt but I have NOT seen or heard of any policy statement and or concrete actions of the CDC in relation to poverty alleviation, job creation, infrastructural development and her policies regarding the national economy and the health sectors. Every major government policy statement and or action here in the United States, and other democracies of the world, are followed by an opposition response providing alternatives!
Shouts of unbridled corruption within the UP government should be accompanied by innovative policies and procedures that would serve as deterrent to would-be perpetrators. Alternatives should be proffered to current job creation programs. What programs has the CDC designed to administer our natural resources equitably for the benefit of all when they assume power ?
Remember CDC, your partisans will need jobs and other social amenities when you take up the reins of government !
It is very easy to criticize a ruling government but the criticisms MUST be accompanied by viable alternatives if the critics claim altruism and seek credibility.
Benjamin Kofa Fyneah
Gainesville, Florida
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( 3 / 88 )The ramifications of the recent Montserrado County senatorial by-election will be felt for months by both the Congress for Democratic Change and the Unity Party.. While the CDC won, this win has placed the party in the stark glare of the political limelight. Montserrado County voters who obviously voted overwhelmingly for the CDC despite the huge political machinery put in motion by the UP will now like to see their myriad aspirations met.
For many observers, the outcome of the by-election was an indication that policies of the current government do not go far enough to relieve Montserrado county voters of their socio-economic plight. The ruling party , it seems, has to reorganize its priorities to be more people focused.
The fallout of this by-election also knew no bounds. The Planning Minister threw his credibility on the line with his now infamous “go back to school” battle cry. The media was also a casualty of this by-election. Both the Daily observer, once a reputable news outlet, and the Daily Graphic newspapers ran apparent hit pieces on Mr George Weah and Madam Geraldine Doe-Sheriff. Their respective fibs robbed them of their neutral status and portrayed them as heavily partisan entities whose stories were meant to hurt the chances of the CDC. It was also a shock that these publications elicited NO apparent reaction from the Press Union of Liberia (PUL)! Strange bedfellows and alliances were formed, some of which are doomed due to idealogical differences!
It will be a folly of unimaginable political consequences for any interested politician to dismiss the significance of the outcome of this election. Montserrado county is not only overpopulated but possesses at least 400,000 plus registered voters. That is out of a population of 3 million plus. Indeed the outcome cast a long shadow on the up coming elections of 2011.
As the dust settles on the election the winner, CDC, should be cognizant that Montserrado County voters chose them because of apparent lack of meaningful impact the UP policies have had on their lives despite the record aid and international goodwill the government has received. It is high time the CDC provide leadership and proffer relevant policies that will positively impact the lives of her Montserrado County constituents.
This by-election loss also presents the UP with a golden opportunity. The General (presidential) elections is two full years away. Weah and the CDC apparatus MUST be taken on as it relates to differences in policies and mode of implementation. Indeed politics is a game of numbers ! Mr Weah, like Coca Cola needs NO advertisements in Liberia ! UP operatives should be encouraged to desist from personal attacks and stick to the ISSUES !
The party needs to radically reinvent itself and do everything possible to shed the perception of corruption that has dogged it since it took the reins of power. Whiffs of cronyism, nepotism, the business as usual mentality and grand ole “patronism” should be publicly jettisoned if the party is to make any significant impact in the general election of 2011.
Lastly, we want to congratulate the winner , the CDC, and commend the Liberian nation for a job well done.
Benjamin Kofa Fyneah
Gainesville, Florida
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( 3 / 92 )Peoples League for Action and National Salvation (PLANS) position statement on the Upcoming Montserrado County senatorial by-election
We would first like to congratulate the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) and the Unity Party (UP) candidates for reaching the second round of this all important Montserrado county senatorial by-election. We also wish congratulate the other parties and candidates and their respective supporters that participated in the first round of voting. Your collective participation was a significant milestone in our collective quest to entrench the democratic process in our body politic.
Parties Rhetoric
As me move forward into the second round we will appeal to the CDC and the UP to tone down their political rhetoric. Our deeds, words and actions should be symbols of our dedication to the democratic process. We are all aware of the potential of our words been misconstrued by rogue elements within our ranks who might misread them as calls to violence.
The Election Commission
The NEC has an obligation to ensure that fairness is the hall mark of this process. Its actions will guarantee that whoever the winner is will be clothed with legitimacy. We will encourage the commission to conduct it duties without fear or favor and exhibit a high sense of impartiality and nonalignment to any political party or cause.
Security Forces.
The fine men and women charged with maintaining law and order are encouraged to display neutrality and evenhandedness if there are any outburst of street protest from partisans from either parties involved in this runoff election.
Resort to Court for adjudication
In every elections there MUST be a winner and a loser. Parties that might feel a sense of loss due to anomalies are encouraged to seek redress in a duly constituted court of law. The courts will be our best bet to seek redress and justice for whatever malpractices that we might assume hinder our desired outcome. To ensure peaceful coexistence as Liberians from different political persuasions we all MUST conduct our politicking within the bounds of peace, stability and the respect for the rule of law.
Peace and stability for country growth
The outcome of this by-election, and our collective reaction, will send a loud and clear message to the world of our dedication to the democratic process and respect for the core values it represents.
Once again we want to congratulate the parties involve, the Montserrado county electorate and the people of Liberia and wish Liberia a peaceful and successful second round.
Benjamin Kofa Fyneah
Interim Chairman (PLANS)
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