MONROVIA – On the heels of the conduct of general and presidential elections slated to be held a later over a month’s time, Nobel Laureate, Leymah Roberta Gbowee, has detected what she described as an incoherent jostle for power in Liberia,
Gbowee, noted for being vocal on matters of national concern, took to Facebook on Monday, 4 September 2023, and as usual, spoke her mind, with the Nobel Laureate this time declaring that she was sharing her thoughts on the country’s impending elections scheduled for 10 October.
“I have been thinking about October 10, 2023—the day we, Liberians, head to the polls to elect our representatives, senators, and president,” Gbowee wrote, in a post she captioned: “My Thoughts on Liberia’s Elections.”
She disclosed that while quietly watching as political campaigns for the elections unfold, she’s made few observations including what she termed as active attempts to sell the unsellable; defend the indefensible; excuse for the inexcusable; as well as attempts on the part of those whose names she did not disclose, to use failed systems and structures as benchmarks of success.
She noted that the jostle for power is incoherent for participants and observers alike; adding that such jostle for power rests on what she described as clueless attempts to discredit rather than efforts to exemplify trustworthy leadership.
“With personalities as the primary focus, insults and toxicity have overrun the country, as allies of yesterday have become sworn enemies,” she further wrote.
Gbowee observed that as campaigns continue, the list of displaced priorities and the confusion therein seems endless.
However, the Nobel Laureate emphasized that amidst all of the chaos occasioning the campaign period, Liberians have three significant tasks, as Election Day fast approaches.
She outlined those significant tasks as paying attention to what the candidates in the 2023 elections are offering Liberians; that Liberians set aside violence as a campaign tool; and that all eligible voters go to the ballot box to cast their votes.
“Apathy is not an option,” Gbowee reminded Liberians, adding; “Remember, Liberia is all we have—let’s keep the PEACE.”
She forgot to mention the all-important imperative of the need to avoid any RIGGING of the pending elections, and by so doing avoid a catastrophic post elections situation.