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George Weah Must Act Honorably, Accept the Election Result
Nov 12, 2005
LIMANY Editorial

After months of campaign by various candidates for the leadership of the country, we have now reached the end that will crown the over all winner. In a perfect situation, this is suppose to be a happy moment for all of us and victory for democracy. But as it is now, there are claim and counter-claim about the results of the election. While most people, including the international community, have considered the election to be free and air, George Weah and his supporters think otherwise. They claim that they have been deprived of their victory and as such some of them are on the streets protesting and demanding a recount.

Given all the time and energies that have been invested in the whole exercise by Liberians and our international sympathizers, it's unrealistic to reverse the course now. It's based on this that we join other well-meaning people in appealing to Mr. Weah to accept the result and move on to the next chapter of his life. George Weah is an honorable person who has earned the respect and admiration of his fellow citizens.

Ambassador Weah is an inspiration to all Liberians who are determined to overcome adversity to be somebody. And it's quite a victory for him to be where he is today, given where he comes from. For the man who represents so much for the downtrodden masses, much is expected of him now in the interest of peace and unity of the country. That's why we think that as an exemplary and honorable citizen, it does not befit his image to refuse to accept the result of the just ended run-off election.

Disputing the result and asking for a recounts and long court battle will only add to the frustration and agitation of thousands of Liberians who have been yearning for peace for the past 14 years. We are sure that the CDC leadership is aware that all Liberians deserve right now is peace and unity, not street demonstration that have the potential to result into violence. We have seen enough of that kind of politic and we believe that George Weah will not venture into such as he said that he joined the race to safe the country from destruction.

Unity Party can claims victory now, but for once Weah and supporters have proven that cemented prejudice and bigotry of the elites can be challenged, as they were sent into a momentary shock in the first round. Moreover, the CDC represents the future of the country because the youth form the core of its membership. With the age being on his side, there is still a great possibility for Mr. Weah in the future. So let him not see this result as the end of the world. Let him seize the moment to prepare himself for next time.

As we appeal to Mr. Weah and supporters to let the process still on course, we also regard seriously reports about fraudulent activities and irregularity in the vote count. However credible this allegation may be, if it is not enough to change the final outcome, we urge Weah and his supporters to let it be for the sake of peace and unity. What is at stake right now is more than the appeasement of any individual candidate. Despite the disappointment, we should all seize the moral high ground to save our dear land from another unnecessary bloodshed.

The challenge now is to the expected winner of the election. While we may congratulate her for her victory, we urge her to go beyond political rhetoric to reach out and win the trust of the people who did not vote for her. What we see here is clearly a disconnect between the educated elites and the forgotten masses. In this regard, every vote for Weah is a protest vote against the elitist mentality that is ever present with the so-called educated elites. We believe that Mrs. Sirleaf and her supporters have learnt the fact that Liberian masses no longer want to be taken for granted. They want to be respected and want to be represented in the running of their country. As she has already promised, we hope she will form a government that will be reflective of our diversity. We hope she will form a government of national inclusion and unity.

In this regard, we ask both the CDC, UP, and all other political parties to put aside their personal interest in favor of national interest. Let all of us help the winner to move Liberia forward. With that in mind, we pray and hope that God will richly bless Liberia.

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