The Victory of George Weah and the Politics of Money Although the official results from the just ended Montserrado County special elections are yet to be announced, but reports from NECs tally sheets seem to suggests unequivocally that CDC strong man Ambassador George Weah claimed a victory, that can only be described as a political volcanic eruption against his main rival and son of the President, Robert A. Sirleaf. Factors that Characterized Mr. Sirleafs Defeat: There are many factors that informed the defeat of Mr. Sirleaf but i will just outline four of them. 1. The Political Factor 2. Economic Factor 3. Social Factor Political Factor: It is important to state that Mr. Sirleafs defeat has its primary origin from his mother- who serves as President of Liberia. President Sirleaf created a lot of enemies for her son, both from the ranks of the ruling Unity Party and other parties that formed a merger with UP, and eventually saw her been ushered for a second term in 2011. When the politics of interests came into play after the elections, Madam Sirleaf chose the side of her friends and relations, rather than- focusing the party and other political institutions that gave her support. Jobs were given to people that were never seen in the forefront of making the ultimate sacrifice in sealing the deal against the CDC, which stands, as the main opposition party in the country. Party Executives like Varney Sherman, Wilmot Paye and the likes felt their interests and the interests of the party were dashed to nothingness. Thus, the party (UP) before the 2014 special elections were compelled to render the son of the President as a monster and and enemy of the party. On the other side of the coin state security forces- including the police were also seen to be strongly aligning with the status qua. In some instances the beating, killing and injuring of armless and defenseless citizens complicated matters for the Presidents son. Some members of the voting population further saw Rob as a man whom his mother was grooming for the Presidency, should he get elected as Senator- thus electing another Sirleaf would suggest a continuation of the so-called Ellengachy. The Economic Factor: Liberia is still experiencing economic shocks under one of Africas most sophisticated economists, as well as a devastating civil conflict that shattered the nations economy. Even though it is one of two countries in sub-Sahara Africa without roots in the European Scramble of Africa, the country sits at #4 as the Worlds poorest country with a GDP of just 672 per capita income since July 2012, and now with an annual growth rate of just over 4%. Power and running water are scarce in most part of the country and can be equated as luxury in Africas oldest republic. The countrys wartime economy exploited its diamond resource, exporting over $300 million in blood diamonds annually, report says. Unemployment rate is still at an alarming rate, recording at 70%. Thanks to and other concessionaires who help to drop the unemployment from 85%. An average Liberian survives on less than $1.50 US per day. Life expectancy is only at 56.58 years, the infant mortality rate in 2010 was 76.43 per 1000 live births (18th in the world) and there are an estimated 35,000 people living with AIDS. The percentage of people living without access to potable running water and adequate sanitation facilities is amongst the highest in the world. Many international report have pointed to this government as not doing enough economically to better the lives of the ordinary people. Liberians are disenchanted and disgruntled in every facet. Thus, the only place to vent out this anger was at the polls and against the son of the President, who is part of the system. Not a single promise that was made by the Liberian leader in 2005- 2011 including roads, employment, electricity, pipe bone water, the fight against corruption, respect for the rule of law and governmental order were ever fulfilled by her administration- this according politicians. Yes, the government observes freedom of speech. However, this is a blip of the rule of law agenda. The Social Factor: Liberias politics is still in an infanticide state. Liberians across the country do not vote for people based on the ISSUES. Liberians generally vote on party, personality and tribal lines. This writer thinks Mr. Sirelaf put his nets in the wrong river- Montserrado County. Weahs CDC has demonstrated since 2005 that it controls the county. In 2005 the party elected 15 lawmakers from the County including 2 senators. In 2009 there was a vacancy created as a result of the death of Ms. Hannah Brent. Unity Party Clemenceau Urey Sen Geraldine Doe Sheriff and was beaten. 2011 UP gave their support to Mr. Lewis Brown, now information Minister and was again badly beaten. This means, CDC has therefore made a case in the most populous county. I rather think, that people around Mr. Sirleaf were just money eaters and gold- digging, gravy-seeking sycophants. They were untrue to themselves and to the Philanthropists- Rob Sirleaf. This writer believes, all of those who lied that they could ensure his victory and failed to do so be fired and throw out of his inner circle... they failed and lied! - Purely my view and opinion! part 2 follows (the politics of money and the battle of bread)
Posted on: Mon, 22 Dec 2014 12:43:54 +0000