Will T. B. Joshua be the King-maker in #LiberiaElections runoff?

The most influential political figure in vote-rich Nimba County, Senator Prince Y. Johnson appears to be collaborating with Senator George Weah and the Coalition for Democratic Change for the November 7 runoff elections.

Senators Johnson and Weah attended church service together at The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations (SCOAN), led by Pastor T.B. Joshua.

Senator Johnson has often described Prophet Joshua as his ‘spiritual father’.

Before their departure for Lagos, Nigeria, there were speculations that the Prophet Joshua was courting Senator Johnson to throw his weight behind Senator Weah who led the October 10 presidential elections, but failed to obtain the 50 percent plus one vote required to be declared president.

Senator Johnson’s Movement for Democratic Reconstruction (MDR) Secretary General, Wilfred Bangura, dismissed the speculation of his party’s political leader planned trip with Senator Weah to Nigeria, terming it as misleading when he was contacted by FrontPageAfrica last Wednesday.

However, he told FrontPageAfrica on Sunday that “It is a happy coincidence that they were in the same service...if there is any news of collaboration he will break it upon his arrival.”

The Synagogue, Church Of All Nations posted on its official Facebook page that Senator Weah was in service to “seek God’s face” for his nation.

During his sermon which was broadcast live on popular Christian channel Emmanuel TV, Joshua warmly welcomed Weah and spoke directly to him.

“My brother is here today because he loves his country and wants God’s choice for his country,” Joshua stated. 

“He is not here to impose himself. What does God say about his country, Liberia? What is God’s opinion? That is why he is here.”

The cleric went further to reiterate that he was not favoring any particular side of the political spectrum but his own role was to pray for “the will of God” to be done in the nation of Liberia.

“We are not herbalists or witch-doctors; we are people of God. God’s choice is our choice. We cannot pray against God’s will,” Joshua stressed, with Weah nodding firmly in agreement.

“Without God’s corresponding power, we cannot pray to Him. For every step we take – every movement and action – intimation comes first,” Joshua further expounded.

 “There must be suggestion from the Spirit to move before we move. If truly I am a man of God, I must hear from God – move or don’t move.”

Joshua also disclosed that Vice President Joseph Boakai had also contacted him to request a meeting.

“God’s opinion is what we should seek in our country – simple! God is the Answer, the Final,” the influential Nigerian pastor added. 

Joshua was instrumental in Johnson’s conversion to Christianity and mediated his reconciliation with the family of the late Liberian President, Samuel Doe.

“You cannot twist or bribe God; He is not a man… The best place to go is to meet people God has given the grace to be a communicator between visible and invisible,” Joshua concluded. “Meet them and let them tell you what is the way out – the next thing to do.”

Senator Johnson swept 107,330 of the 214,000 votes in Nimba County representing 53.5 percent of votes cast in that county. 

The county is a major decider in Liberia’s elections.

The Senator had previously described Senator Weah as a little brother, a son, and son of the Nimba people but appeared to have shifted in recent weeks when he slammed Senator Weah as someone who is unable to control his followers, and as such, any decision to elect him as President of Liberia will send the country back to war.  

“I am appealing to Ambassador George Weah because you have not become President yet, but you turned loose your men on people to stab them. When you become President, this country will go back to war,” he warned.

Senator Johnson, standard bearer of the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction went on to say that it is not anyone’s birthright to be President; therefore Senator Weah should not impose his will.

The Senator has been equally critical of Boakai in recent time, describing the Vice President as one who has nothing new to offer Liberia and should go and relax.

Despite the nearly impossible odds stacked against his bid for the Liberian presidency, Johnson continues to be courted by mainstream politicians due to the vote count of Nimba.

This year alone, some 214,000 inhabitants cast their votes in the county.

With the run-off elections already in play, both Weah and Boakai are said to be making aggressive move to land the Senator’s endorsement, with some sources suggesting that Johnson’s pastor, T. B. Joshua, being courted by both sides.

Pastor Joshua, a Nigerian Pastor, televangelist and Philanthropist, is the leader and founder of The Synagogue, Church of All Nations (SCOAN), a Christian organization that runs the Emmanuel TV television station from Lagos.

Long queues, peaceful elections so far in Liberia

Liberians have been at the polls since 8am today to decide who becomes the next president to succeed the first female African President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf who has ruled Liberia for the past 12years

Reports reaching AEP indicate voting is going on peacefully without much incidence in most polling stations across the country. Despite the humid and hot temperature this afternoon, huge turnout has been recorded across the country.

President, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was among one of the first to cast her vote in her home county of Bomi. She jokingly told reporters “At least the talk shows will stop” and told reporters she was happy to have finally voted someone to replace her.

This elections has so far witnessed a general atmosphere of excitement among several Liberians especially among the over 100,000 first time voters who are voting primarily for peace and calm.

Philimena Mulbah, AEP field officer reporting from District 10 polling station says though it took her less than a minute to go through the process she had to wait in line for a long while before it got to her turn

“Been in line for 3 hours it’s 90 something degrees and the lines are still long!” she said.

“I really enjoyed voting and the process was so smooth, not too much tension as people have been talking about in past elections. I have voted for Liberia and Liberia is what I want to see move forward,” Gabriel Goah reported.

These are some of the key sentiments being reported from across the country as our reporter Robert Finnan reporting from Grand Bassa County saying the process has been very peaceful however turnout was very high when polls opened. “The voters have been very patient throughout the whole process and everything has been orderly”

Meanwhile AEP field officers in some other selected counties in Liberia report of long queues with priority being given to the aged, nursing mothers and the physically challenged. Braille ballot papers are also available for the visually impaired which has been highly commended by observer missions.

Field officers also reported a few isolated cases of logistical issues as well as voters not finding their names in the voter roll. For instance, in Gardenersville, an elderly woman, Anna was frustrated because her name wasn’t found in the voter roll even though she had her card.

20 Presidential Candidates are contesting the process with the challenge being between the governing Unity Party’s Vice President Joseph Boakai who is reportedly in the frontline with close contender ex-football Star George Weah of the Congress for Democratic Change.

Polls will close at 6pm GMT and the final results is expected to be announce within 48 hours after counting of votes.

AEP

Get the latest news and updates on elections in Africa by Following us on twitter  @africanelection and like the African Elections Project Facebook page

#KenyaElections: Raila Odinga withdraws from October election re-run

Kenya opposition Leader, Mr Odinga has pulled out of the scheduled 26 October 2017 elections rerun saying it would give the Independent Elections and Boundary Commission (IEBC) ample time to introduce reforms that will ensure they deliver a credible elections.

"We have come to the conclusion that there is no intention on the part of the IEBC to undertake any changes to its operations and personnel and all indications are that the election scheduled for 26 October will be worse than the previous one."

Mr. Odinga said it was best he withdrew from the race "considering the interests of the people of Kenya, the region and the world at large"

Mr Odinga further called on citizens to come out in their number and protest on Wednesday, using the slogan "no reform, no elections".

AEP

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#LiberiaElections: ECC commends Liberians for a peaceful election

Proceedings so far since the polls opened at 8am have been generally calm and peaceful. Liberia’s Elections Coordinating Committee (ECC) in a statement issued during the voting process assured all voters the queue at 6pm when polls close would be allowed to vote.

After receiving reports from 470 out of its 498 rapid response observers deployed, the ECC reported that all sensitive materials (including the ballots, ballot stamp, indelible ink, the Final Registration Roll (FRR), and the Record of the Count Forms) were available at 98% of polling places at the time of opening (8am).

Some polling stations were however inaccessible to the physically challenged or the elderly as observers had to climb stairs to reach there. There were security personnel stationed at most polling stations to help remedy such situations.

As at 8:30am most polling stations had opened however a few opened later at 10am which could translate to the long queues seen at polling stations now.

Generally, reports indicate that the opening process has been peaceful, orderly, and proceeded smoothly across the country. However, there were a few reported isolated issues of concern at certain polling places. These included tensions at polling places where opening was delayed or where a large of number voters are queued, as well as instance where observers were not permitted to observe at the polling place.

The statement further reports of instances in some polling places where voters with valid voters’ cards could not find their names on the voters’ lists.

The ECC urged all Liberians to remain calm and patient as voting continues till 6pm and encouraged political party agents to continue monitoring the process through closing and counting.

AEP will continue to bring you updates on the closing and counting process.
 

AEP

Get the latest news and updates on elections in Africa by Following us on twitter  @africanelection and like the African Elections Project Facebook page

#LiberiaElections: Sole Female Candidate Cautions Against Violence

MacDella Cooper, the only female candidate in Tuesday's presidential election in Liberia, on Monday joined hundreds of peace advocates at a concert for a violence-free poll.

A News Agency of Nigeria team covering the election reports that the concert ended a three-month prayer and fasting camp by women from across the country.

Speaking to NAN, Ms. Cooper stressed the need for all contestants and their supporters to put the interest of the nation above self and respect the outcome of the exercise.

"We are celebrating the sustainability of our peace over the past 12 years, and its continuation for the next 100 years, we hope.

"We had 14 year-long civil war, we sustained 12 years of peace, and in order to develop this nation and build opportunities for our people - the youth, women, fathers, we have to sustain peace.

"So peace is critical to the next phase of our country. It is critical that we go to the polls and vote and leave the polls with peace in mind.

"When the results come out for all the candidates, especially myself, we should have to accept the results, and not use violence as a way of solving our problems, but to get to the legal authorities to dispute any concerns that we may have."

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Imam of Liberia, Ali Krayee, urged the people to put the message of peace into practice before, during and after the elections.

"Today, we all say we want peace, but peace should not be a mere utterance; peace should be what we think, what we love in our hearts, peace should be what we live; peace should be manifested in the way we interact with one another.

"But there can be no genuine peace in our society without righteousness. As long as a society keeps itself distant from God, that society will not know peace.

"So, we ask all of our people to maintain the peace, no matter the circumstances; no matter the cost. We have to do everything that is required to make this nation peaceful."

NAN reports that for the first time in 70 years, Tuesday's elections will see the transfer of power from one democratically elected president to another.

The incumbent President and Nobel Prize winner, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, is stepping down after serving out her constitutional two terms of six years each.

Source: NAN

ECOWAS & ECONEC gear up for credible #LiberiaElections

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and its Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC) have pledged their commitment to peaceful and credible general elections in Liberia, scheduled for 10th October.

Head of the ECOWAS Election Observation Mission to Liberia and former Ghanaian President, Mr. John Mahama and President of the ECONEC governing board, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu made the commitment at a meeting in Monrovia, Liberia’s capital on 6th October.

Leading the 71-member regional observation mission, Mr. Mahama told Prof. Yakubu, who is also Chair of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), that Liberia required all necessary support from ECOWAS and the international community at this critical juncture of its political history.

Mahama, who also led the Commonwealth Observation Mission to Kenya’s polls last August said: “It is the first time that an elected government will be transferring power to another since the country’s devastating civil war that lasted for more than a decade.” The Liberian war ended with the ECOWAS-led international intervention.

He described the recent nullification of Kenya’s presidential election by the country’s Supreme Court as a lesson and useful experience for strengthening evolving electoral systems in Africa, especially with the introduction of technology.

He however warned against the entrenchment of a precedent whereby “elections are now settled by the judiciary, instead of at the polling booths.”

Prof. Yakubu, who led the ECONEC Needs Assessment and Solidarity Missions to Sierra Leone and Liberia last July, noted that the “integrity and moral force,” which the former president and his colleagues brought to electoral processes, facilitated the work of election management bodies on the continent, noting that all the 15 ECOWAS countries are now running democratic governments.

He restated his now familiar phrase that “it is cheaper to deploy ECONEC for credible and peaceful elections than to deploy ECOMOG,” the regional military force after flawed elections.

Specifically on Liberia, the ECONEC boss acknowledged the “huge challenge of delivering electoral logistics to the rural areas of the country during rainy season,” and the impact on the electoral process.

He expressed the hope that Liberia’s stakeholders would take another look at the electoral timetable for easy delivery of materials and reduction of the cost of election in the country.

In a separate meeting with the Chair of Liberia’s National Elections Commission (NEC) in Monrovia on 7th October, Prof Yakubu reiterated ECONEC’s support to Liberia and other network members for the consolidation of democracy in the region.

The ECONEC boss was accompanied to the meetings by a strong INEC election observation team, including two National Commissioners, Prof. Anthonia Okoosi-Simbine and Dr Adekunle Ogunmola among others.

From Liberia, Prof Yakubu will lead an ECONEC delegation to Abidjan for talks on capacity building for Cote d’Ivoire’s elections Commission, at the behest of the Commission.

#LiberiaElections: Weah refutes claim he is in contact with ex-leader Charles Taylor

Liberian presidential candidate George Weah on Friday denied contact with ex-leader Charles Taylor as controversy erupted over the former warlord's alleged behind-the-scenes role in the country's politics.

After stepping off a helicopter on his return to the capital, Monrovia, from a nationwide tour ahead of elections on October 10, Weah categorically denied speaking with Taylor, who is serving a 50-year prison term in Britain for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

"I am not in contact with Charles Taylor, I repeat, I am not," Weah told AFP and France 24 journalists. The BBC quoted him this week as saying he had taken a phone call from Taylor recorded in January.

Weah's vice-presidential pick is Taylor's ex-wife, Jewel Howard-Taylor, who told AFP "Liberia needs to move on" when asked if she maintained a correspondence with her ex-husband.

The union of Weah and Howard-Taylor's parties into the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) for the vote was seen as an unexpected but astute move as the footballing superstar turned politician makes his second attempt at the presidency.

Howard-Taylor is a respected senator in her own right and has built her own political reputation beyond that of Taylor's First Lady during his 1997-2003 rule.

However, the international community remains preoccupied by Taylor's ongoing influence on public life.

The US Congress passed a resolution in late September which "condemns any external interference in the elections, including any communication or action by convicted war criminal and former armed faction leader Charles Taylor to influence the elections from prison."

A UN-backed court convicted Taylor in 2012 of war crimes, crimes against humanity and several other offences for his role in neighbouring Sierra Leone's 1991-2001 civil war in which an estimated 50,000 people died.

- 'Agenda' question -

Howard-Taylor has also faced questions over whether she is fully estranged from Taylor.

But on Friday she said a widely-circulated remark that she wanted to bring back Taylor's "agenda" had been taken out of context.

"That's not what I said, and maybe that's what people wanted to hear. I said the NPP has an agenda, and when the NPP joined the coalition they went with a mandate, our plan of action."

The NPP was Taylor's former party, and Howard-Taylor now represents the NPP in the Liberian Senate.

Taylor rose to power on the back of the rebellion he launched in 1989 against Liberia's then-military ruler Samuel Doe.

In 1997 after seven years of Liberia's own civil war, Taylor was elected president. One of his campaign slogans was: "He killed my Ma, he killed my Pa, but I will vote for him."

His National Patriotic Front of Liberia (NPFL) earned a reputation for extreme violence and was among the first to force children, some as young as 10, to carry guns.

He kept a low profile, living in a seaside villa in Nigeria and having a luxury car with diplomatic plates, until the Nigerian government in March 2006 bowed to international calls to extradite him.

Source: AFP

LiberiaElections: Closer look at leading presidential candidates

#LiberiaElections: Closer look at leading presidential candidates

Liberia goes to the polls on 10 October to elect a president to take over from Africa’s first female president and incumbent Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf. Sirleaf will step down after serving two constitutionally mandated 2 terms. The 20 candidates contesting the presidential seat is made up of 19 males and 1 female. The list contains the current vice president, a former war-lord, a fashion model, seasoned politicians and a host of businessmen.

In no particular order, we take a look at the leading candidates:

Joseph Boakai – Unity Party (UP)

The 73 year old veteran politician from the remote village of Worsonga in Foya District, Lofa County is the current vice president having served in that position for 2 terms since 2005. He describes himself as a race car that has been kept in a garage for 12 years, waiting to be set on the track to unleash a wave of change in Liberia. Joseph Boakai

The veteran politician served as agriculture minister under warlord Charles Taylor before becoming vice president on the UP's ticket when the party's candidate Sirleaf beat football star George Oppong Weah in a run-off in 2005.

The standard-bearer of the Unity Party in outlining his vision says he will use agriculture, road inter-connectivity to rebuild the economy

MacDella Cooper - Liberia Restoration Party (LRP)

The 40year old former model and philanthropist lays claim and base her campaign on President Sirleaf’s recent statement that Liberia needs a young president the requirement for the nation call for a generational change.  

"Coming out of the presidency in her 70s, she knows what it takes to keep the stamina of running that office," said Cooper

The Monrovia born only female candidate plans to revive the country’s economy by slashing high salaries for government officials and redirecting the money to important sectors, such as the ailing health sector.  She promises to bring free education, universal healthcare, the decentralization of power, electricity, and land reforms to the people.

George Oppong Weah - Congress for Democratic Change (CDC)

George Weah currently serves as the senator of the northwestern region of Montserrado. In this upcoming election, he will lead a coalition of three parties in a bid to become the next President.

The former African football great and one time world football player of the year will head a coalition in his second attempt to become the president of Liberia.

Mr Weah’s first shot at the presidency was in 2005 losing to Sirleaf in the second round of voting. In 2011 he run as a vice-presidential candidate on the ticket of Winston Tubman but that was also unsuccessful.

Weah claims his presidential ambitions are borne out of patriotism and sees education as the key to transform and develop Liberia he will invest significant resources in the training of teachers and reforming the sector.

Charles Brumskine – Liberty Party

The 66 year old attorney and flag-bearer of the Liberty will be contesting the presidency for the third time in this elections after contesting and losing in both the 2005 and 2011 elections.

“As the leader of my party and the candidate myself, I take responsibility for the lack of success in our first two attempts. And I believe it basically had to do with not having communicated effectively our vision for the country of Liberia,” he said.

His campaign vision is based on what he calls the four Rs – reconciliation, reform, rebuild, and recovery.

Prince Yomi Johnson - Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR).

Prince Johnson, senator of Liberia’s second most populous county Nimba will be contesting in the presidential race for the second time after coming in a surprising third in the 2011 elections.

Affectionately called PYJ, he is seen as a liberator, godfather and preacher man in his stronghold of Nimba. Others see him as a merciless warlord who murdered the  former president Samuel Doe in 1990.

He is not favoured to win the elections but considered a key kingmaker as he can swing the votes in favour of any of the candidates who emerges in the second round should the elections be decided on a re-run.

Alexander Cummings - Alternative National Congress (ANC)

The 61 year old, former Coca-Coca executive turned politician, businessman and philanthropist will be contesting the presidency for the first time.

Cummings is not associated with any known political movement in Liberia and comes to the presidential race on a fresh slate. He has so far garnered support from the grassroots through numerous social interventions such as scholarships for students, soft loan schemes for market women and other philanthropic assistance.

He is campaigning on infrastructure development which he believe is the key for economic growth and job creation

  

Benoni Urey - All-Liberian Party

The 60 year old is considered as one of Liberia's most successful men. He is the founder of Lonestar Cell MTN – Liberia’s largest nationwide mobile network and Wulki Farms – one of the country’s primary indigenous food producers. He has never previously stood for, or held, elected political office.

He entered the presidential race because he is of the opinion that fourteen years of peace and international aid has not transformed the nation and the economy does not show any sign of improvement with high inflation and unemployment.

Urey is campaigning on job creation and an agro-based economy
 

AEP

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#LiberiaElections Campaigning intensifies

Political activity has stepped up in the runup to the October 10 elections, as candidates make their final push for Liberia’s presidency and 73 House of Representatives (lower house) seats.  

Six candidates have so far dominated the presidential campaign: Joseph Boakai, the incumbent vice president and candidate of the ruling Unity Party (UP); Senator George Weah, standing for the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC); Lawyer Charles Brumskine of the Liberty Party (LP); Businessman Benoni Urey of the All Liberian Party (ALP); former Coca Cola executive Alexander Cummings of the Alternative National Congress (ANC), and former Central Bank Governor, Joseph Mills Jones of the Movement for Economic Empowerment (MOVEE).

Major parties’ presidential candidates have rallied supporters in efforts to display their prominence, especially in Monrovia and urban centers around the country. Tens of thousands of people have gathered on the streets of the capital, at football stadiums, or at party headquarters. All parties’ rallies are characterized by a festive atmosphere fueled by young people, colorful paraphernalia, vehicle convoys, and blaring music.

All major party standard-bearers are now visiting outlying counties to drum up support for their candidacies as well as their parties’ local legislative candidates.

Enthusiastic attendance at rallies provides a stark contrast to quiet, sometimes empty local offices of political parties, evidence that most parties lack organization outside of their central headquarters.

The campaigns for the House of Representatives have relied more on direct outreach rather than mass rallies, with emphasis on smaller local gatherings, such as community meetings and door-to-door messaging.

While calm overall, on September 20 the campaign was marked with a violent clash between CDC and LP supporters in northeastern Nimba County when a CDC convoy reportedly attempted to drive through a gathering of partisans blocking the main road in front of the local Liberty Party headquarters. The incident was followed a few days later by a skirmish between the supporters of the CDC and Unity Party in Montserrado County (where the capital Monrovia is situated). which resulted in two critical stabbing injuries, as well as property damage. Interlocutors have expressed concern about the involvement of weapons in the clash, as well as the fact that the clash was preventable had parties complied with the requests issued by security forces to inform them in advance of their campaign plans, and also that weapons were involved.  After this incident, the CDC standard-bearer condemned the election violence and asked supporters to refrain from using violence during the campaign. The Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR) publicly called on the National Elections Commission (NEC) and the Liberian National Police (LNP) to take appropriate actions against violations and met privately with political parties to emphasize the importance of their commitment to the Ganta and Farmington River resolutions. The LNP investigation is ongoing.

The Nimba County clash was followed two days later by an altercation between supporters of CDC and UP legislative candidates in Montserrado County. Margibi has seen repeated clashes between partisans in the second legislative district. In Fish Town, in the southeastern River Gee County, a CDC vehicle was damaged during a rally and there were heated exchanges between legislative candidates during debates or local gatherings. In Lofa, there have been recent clashes in both District 1 between supporters of incumbent UP and challenger LP candidates, and in District 4 between supporters of incumbent UP and challenger MOVEE party candidates.

In Maryland County and northeastern Nimba County there have been reports of candidates collecting voter identification numbers from voters,which could fuel tensions among contenders. Collecting voter identification numbers is not illegal, though it is illegal to buy voter cards.

The practice of collecting voter card numbers is largely perceived as a tool to control and assess a candidate’s support. However, it could also act as a means of intimidating voters into supporting a particular candidate.

There have also been several reports of buying voter cards, a tactic for suppressing an opponent’s turnout. Other than a recent arrest in Nimba county of one individual charged with buying cards, reports are widespread but unverified.

There have been an increasing number of reports from Bong county of candidates hearkening back to the Charles Taylor era as a way to mobilize the former president’s base of support.  One CDC legislative candidate said from the podium at a major rally, “Let me borrow from our former President that ‘God’s willing, I will be back’ [an infamous line from Taylor’s farewell speech as he left the country in 2003 for asylum in Nigeria] and Senator Taylor represents former Liberian President Charles Taylor on the ticket.”

Many religious leaders have played a positive role by insisting on the importance of peaceful elections. However, others have spread partisan messages. Across Liberia, interlocutors report religious and other community facilities receiving such gifts as electricity upgrades, furniture and cash from political aspirants.

Most political parties intend to deploy party agents in the polling places on election day, a program that will enable them to identify potential irregularities and independently verify polling place-level results.

Party agents are playing more than a self-interested role; their presence in a polling place during the voting process gives them the chance to count the number of people voting and allows them at the end of the day to compare that number with the number of ballots cast. This will be a critical check on the integrity of the system, since NEC procedures do not include the crucial step of reconciling the number of voters against the number of ballots cast.

SOURCE: NDI