Sources inside the Liberty Party (LP) say the party’s top leadership has unanimously rejected an invitation from the Unity Party (UP) to participate in its December 6 homecoming event, citing longstanding grievances and a need for “equity and respect” within the governing alliance.
According to party insiders, the LP’s National Executive Committee, National Advisory Council, and National Stakeholders Committee convened late Tuesday at the residence of the party’s Political Leader. After reviewing the UP’s invitation, the leadership concluded that no executive member from any of the party’s three leadership structures should attend the event.
During the meeting, LP leaders reaffirmed their support for President Joseph Boakai’s administration but stressed that the Liberty Party “has never been and will never be an auxiliary of the Unity Party.”
Party sources say several unresolved issues have strained relations within the alliance, including:
The UP’s “constant disregard” of Alliance Chairperson Pro-Tempore Senator Nyonblee Kangar Lawrence in major coalition decision-making
Reported comments by the UP chairman referring to LP and other alliance partners as “helping verbs”
An alleged incident following the UP’s 2023 election victory in which the UP chairman asked LP representatives to “excuse the room,” insisting the win belonged solely to the Unity Party
“These actions have gone far enough,” one source said. “UP must understand that we are partners in this alliance and deserve respect.”
The decision reportedly extends to all LP officials serving in government, including lawmakers elected on the party’s ticket. They have been instructed not to appear at the UP’s December 6 gathering.
While internal tensions remain unresolved, LP sources emphasized that the party still supports President Boakai and his administration. However, they insisted that the Unity Party must acknowledge LP’s contributions and treat the party as a full and respected partner moving forward.
