CDC Inclusion ‘Detrimental’

Last Updated on Tuesday, 22 November 2011 13:00 Tuesday, 22 November 2011 12:53

Written by ND Staff

Including the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) in a government of inclusion will be ‘detrimental’ to progress, an influential American Congressman has warned.
Congressman Christopher Smith, chair of the House’s Sub-Committee on Africa, Human Rights and Global Health, in a statement, said the CDC should be kept out of a government of inclusion because it is determined to use violence for a seat at the table.
He warned: “President Sirleaf has stated that she is interested in including her opponents in the reconciliation process in Liberia through roles in her government. Since the CDC seems interested only is forcing their way into government, their inclusion in government would be detrimental to the progress of Liberia.
Reconciliation is essential to create a sense of national unity and purpose and all political party leaders and their supporters must recognize the certified results of the presidential and legislative elections if Liberia is to move forward.  Any efforts to use violence and mob action to force a seat at the table are unacceptable.”
The US Congressman detailed some of the efforts made for the CDC to follow the democratic process, but said the party rejected these efforts:
“ECOWAS summoned (CDC leader Winston) Tubman to Abuja after the initial election in order to encourage him and his party to participate in the runoff, but he refused.  Now, at least some elements in his party reportedly plan to use violence to force the ruling Unity Party to include them in government.  Parties such as the National Patriotic Party, the Movement for Progressive Change and the National Union for Democratic Progress have all publicly accepted the election results and are contributing to stabilizing their country.
“The fact that President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf received more than 90% of the votes in the runoff election was clearly due to CDC’s standard bearer Winston Tubman not participating.  Even if there were irregularities in the October election, which no credible source believes, CDC could have handled the matter in a way that continues Liberia’s return to democratic governance,” he said.