The Standard Bearer of the Grassroots Development Movement (GDM), Edward Wade Appleton, has rallied all qualified Liberians to take back their country from the reported misrule of President Weah and his ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC).
Endorsing the presidential bid of former Vice President and Standard Bearer of the Unity Party (UP), Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Tuesday, November 7, 2023 in Congo Town, Appleton claimed Liberians are yet to enjoy the resources of their own country under this government.
Edward Appleton, of the GDM, is a presidential candidate whose votes shocked many citizens when he took the third place during the October 10, 2023 presidential and legislative elections, obtaining a total of 40,271 votes, constituting 2.20% according to the National Elections Commission’s final results.
None of the 20 participating political parties obtained the Constitutional requirement of 50%-plus-one of the total votes during the October 10 polls; incumbent President George Weah of the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change obtained a total of 804,087 votes, amounting to 43.83%. His main rival, Ambassador Joseph Boakai, Unity Party, obtained a total of 796,961 votes, constituting 43.44%, and qualifying Boakia and Weah to face a run-off election slated for November 14, 2023.
However, at the endorsement ceremony, Appleton underscored that Liberians are suffering for hope in their own country, where natural resources are in abundance but in the face of poor leadership of the Weah-Taylor administration.
He named the equal participation of the citizens in the decision-making process of the country, hope for ordinary people, employment, job creation, economic empowerment and justice, among others, as key things lacking in the CDC government.
“Our country is underrepresented. We, the citizens, must take our country back on November 14 by voting #1, representing the former Vice President and in-coming President of the Republic of Liberia, Ambassador Joseph Boakai,” he said.
According to him, the political manifesto of the UP aligns with the platform of his political party–the Grassroots Development Movement (GDM), adding that during their critical thinking on which way to go through a vote cast over 70% of the total votes went the UP way.
“As a people-centered leader, I had no objection to the decision of the party, overwhelmingly picking the Unity Party, so I had to accept the decision willingly, and that’s why we’re here to demonstrate that decision in the interest of the Liberian people,” Appleton stated.
At the same time, the defeated presidential candidate called on all citizens, especially eligible voters, to ask themselves whether they are happy and if their lives are better under this administration before casting their ballot on November 14.
“When you vote number one, we all will rejoice and say ‘All Hail Liberia Hail, All Liberia Hail’,” he added.
Meanwhile, responding to the endorsement, former VP Joseph Boakai described Edward Wade Appleton as a nationalist who has prioritized his country over material things.
According to him, Liberia needs a leader who has integrity and love for the country and its citizens, and is willing to improve the living condition of the people, mainly those living in the rural parts.
He promised that, if elected President, he will provide quality, affordable and accessible education and healthcare systems across the country.