…Turmoil Becomes Order of the Day…
The Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) is facing a crisis of political significance as it grapples with internal turmoil and a wave of defections.
The once-dominant political force is now witnessing the withdrawal of key allies and coalition members following its third consecutive defeat to the Unity Party (UP) in the 2023 elections.
The CDC, once a magnet for political alliances, is now contending with an encroaching isolation that threatens its very existence.
Concerns are mounting about whether the party will have the resilience to present a viable presidential candidate in the 2029 elections.
The post-electoral landscape has been marked by a series of defections that have left CDC supporters and members disheartened.
In a span of less than six months, the party has seen the departure of major allied parties, along with significant political figures.
The most notable defection is the Liberia People Democratic Party (LPDP), a crucial member of the coalition, signaling deep-seated internal discord.
The departure of the LPDP was soon followed by the National Patriotic Party (NPP) announcing its break from the CDC, with no intentions of renewing the political alliance.
This break is particularly poignant given the history of the coalition. In 2016, the NPP, LPDP, and the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) joined forces to form the Coalition for Democratic Change, commonly referred to as the “Grand Coalition.”
This alliance successfully propelled George Weah and Jewel Howard Taylor to the presidency and vice-presidency in the 2017 elections.
However, after six years in power, the coalition narrowly lost to the Unity Party’s Joseph Nyuma Boakai and Jeremiah Kpan Koung in the 2023 elections.
The disintegration of the coalition raises the possibility that the CDC may revert to its original form, the Congress for Democratic Change, abandoning the broader coalition model that brought it initial success.
The dissolution of political marriages among the CDC, NPP, and LPDP underscores a vulnerability that, if not addressed, could lead to significant challenges in fielding a presidential candidate in 2029.
Adding to the party’s woes, Montserrado County Senator Saah Hali Joseph is reportedly considering leaving the CDC to pursue his presidential ambitions independently.
This potential defection is viewed as a severe blow to the CDC, which is already reeling from high-profile departures. Joseph, one of Liberia’s prominent politicians, is allegedly strategizing his exit to position himself better for the 2029 presidential race.
Insiders reveal that Joseph’s decision is driven by a desire to distance himself from the internal chaos plaguing the CDC under George Weah’s leadership.
One source involved in Joseph’s exploratory campaign commented to “Senator Joseph’s presidential ambitions can best be fostered outside of the CDC due to the party’s potential leadership and institutional crisis.”
Despite remaining silent on the matter, Joseph’s strong performance in the 2023 senatorial elections, where he secured over 300,000 votes, has bolstered his confidence in pursuing Liberia’s highest office.
An insider from his exploratory team stated, “His strong voter base and work ethic make him a formidable candidate.”
Joseph’s political career is marked by his dedication to his constituents and his legislative achievements.
Among his notable contributions is sponsoring a bill to amend the Alien and Nationality Law, granting women equal rights in passing citizenship to their children born outside Liberia.
Meanwhile, in a bid to revive its political fortunes following a resounding defeat in the 2023 elections, Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) recently concluded a strategic three-day retreat themed “Turning Setbacks into Comebacks.”
The retreat, held at the party’s headquarters in Congo Town, symbolized the CDC’s resolve to reclaim leadership in the 2029 Presidential and General Elections.
Led by Party Leaders, the CDC’s national event commemorated what they termed “Militant Month,” honoring the unwavering dedication of party loyalists who continue to uphold its ideals across Liberia.
But critics believe the event did not match the political magnanimity CDC had prior to taking power in 2018.
As the CDC undergoes this period of turbulence, the future of the party and its role in Liberia’s political landscape remains uncertain.
The ongoing defections and internal strife challenge the CDC to reevaluate its strategies and leadership if it hopes to regain its political footing and present a credible candidate in future elections.
The party’s ability to address these internal challenges will determine its relevance and influence in the coming years.
