Ahead of the 2023 presidential and legislative elections in Liberia, some pastors in electoral district #1, Margibi County, under the banner, District #1 Pastoral Association (DOPA), have called on all representative candidates vying for the district’s seat to remain peaceful during this campaign period.
DOPA, as the pastor association is called, is working on resolution that will be signed by all the candidates in the race for the district’s seat, committing themselves to a peaceful, non-violent and fair election. According to the Chairman of the DOPA, Francis Wantoe, the body will also offer prayer for all those contesting for the district’s seat. He said the prayer is intended for God to choose the best person among them to represent the interest of the district at the first branch of government, the Legislature. Pastor Wantoe further states that the group of pastor will also offer prayer for the nation for a peaceful and transparent election.
The signing of the resolution by the candidates will be held in Fanta Town in the Church of Pentecost on August 31, 2023. The ceremony, according to him, will be graced by other prominent sons and daughters of the district. “Candidates vying for the district’s seat are expected to present hard copies of their platform to the pastoral body after the signing of the commitment for a peaceful and non-violent election,” he said. Pastor Wantoe is calling on candidates to attach importance to the invitation extended to them for the August 31 occasion, which is aimed at upholding the peace.
According to Pastor Wantoe, Chairman of the DOPA, the church has a responsibility to pray for God’s direction in the pending election. As spiritual leaders in the district, he claimed that it is their responsibility to ask God for the best, God-fearing leader who will run the affairs of the district for the next six years. He is urging other clergy men who are not part of the association to come on board in praying for the nation.
Pastor Wantoe told the Hot Pepper that 15 candidates are vying for the district’s single seat at Legislature. DOPA, according its Chairman, has also extended invitation to the general public as well as the media.