Voice of Liberia

CONGRESS FOR DEMOCRATIC CHANGE

 

9th Street, Sinkor

Tubman Boulevard

Monrovia, Liberia

 

Office of the National Chairman

 

2^nd July 2008

 

Press statement

 (For immediate release)

 

Refuting “CDC/Liberty Party Coalition Thought”

 

 

The necessity of this statement, emanating from the National Chairman’s Office, sterns from the Monday, 30 June 2008 publication of the Daily Observer newspaper, in which the headline “To Defeat UP in Next Presidential Race: CDC Seeks Coalition”, was printed.

 

Whilst the Daily Observer is at Liberty to freely disseminate information consistent with its editorial policies, the paper’s definitive conclusion that “…The Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) has resolved to form a coalition with constitutional Lawyer Charles Brunskine’s liberty Party (LP) ahead of the 2011 general and presidential elections…” is false, misleading and does not constitute the views and aspirations of the leadership of the party. Further, the Office of the Acting National Chairman is dismayed over the Daily Observer’s failure to provide the tangible basis of its information, which is by and large, a speculation. Such practice deviates from global best practice and has the propensity to undermine the credibility of the media profession in Liberia.

 

Similarly, the leadership of the CDC has at no time contemplated a decision to form such coalition, and any speculation about such event is premature and could be the work of detractors who are relentlessly seeking to polish a plush agenda that would make the CDC a trade commodity.

 

On the other hand, we are aware of incubating schemes waiting to be hatched by counter-progressive forces who would like to effect a change in party leadership for the financial dividends that go along with such deals. Unfortunately, these misguided elements failed to understand that the destiny and patrimony of this great party lies in the hands of the grassroots majority, the people for which this movement was made to evolve. Therefore, we advise those concerned to desist from such nefarious schemes as the leadership of the party will not relent to institute punitive actions necessary to safeguard the party.

 

 

Signed: __________________

                  Joshua Sackie

             National Chairman

 

CONGRESS FOR DEMOCRATIC CHANGE

1^st House, 9^th Street Sinkor

Monrovia, Liberia.

Office of the Secretariat                                                  

July 4, 2008

  

                                                                   PRESS RELEASE

 

The Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) has reaffirmed its commitment to current collaboration with the Liberty Party (LP) and other well meaning political parties and individuals on issues affecting our nation. Moreover, the party’s Standard Bearer Amb. George M. Weah and counterpart Cllr. Charles W. Brumskine have held series of talks on moving Liberia forward. In view of our efforts to provide an alternative for the good of our country, the CDC and collaborating parties will continue to use their legislative majority in revisiting the insensitive tax code of Liberia; bringing about a total independence and reform to the current election body and at the same time seeking to bring some financial independence to political parties. This collaboration amongst legislators of the CDC, Liberty Party and others has also led to the sponsorship of several bills seeking to correct national ills.

 

In a reaction to a recent statement from the National Election Commission (NEC), the CDC leadership has described the statement as irresponsible and further exposes the commission hidden detestation against some opposition parties. The CDC wonders while the commission will want to make an empty threat against the party when NEC itself has admitted to the need for electoral reform, thus appealing to political parties to help support a bill that will seek to make the NEC independence of executive influence. The CDC position on the independence of the NEC and a bill seeking to have a reform at the commission remains unbending, as the commissioners’ appointment by the President has demonstrated nothing but enthusiasts and presidential followers. The fundamental difference between NEC’s watered-down proposed electoral bill and the counter proposal from the LP and the CDC is the need for budgetary independence, a restructured commission and the elimination of direct executive supervision which gives the President arbitrary power of appointment or dismissal.

 

It has also been brought to the attention of the National Executive Committee of the Congress for Democratic Change that unauthorized individuals, mainly detractors within and without of the CDC are in the habit of issuing statements in the name of the institution and at the same time using unauthorized email addresses to send out communications in the name of the party.

 

Reports gathered from FrontPage Africa and other media institutions shows that Mulbah K. Morlu and Mr. Joshua Sackie, former Acting Chairman of the CDC are among the persons making unauthorized statements in the name of the party. The National Executive Committee of the CDC calls on all well meaning media institutions and the public not to honor any communication whether verbal or in black and white coming out of the CDC that does not meet the endorsement of its current Acting National Chairman, Madam Geraldine Doe-Sherif or the Secretariat of the party.

 

The CDC remains committed to its philosophy of reconciliation, equality and justice for all mankind.

 

Signed: _____________________________________

            Acarous M. Gray, Assistant Secretary General

           

           Cell: +2316544636

Sackie's alleged resignation letter