By Rufus Divine Brooks Jr.
Political friction is intensifying between the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR) and the Unity Party, following controversial remarks made by Unity Party Chairman Luther Tarpeh.
Tarpeh recently described smaller political parties, including the MDR, as “helping verbs” to the larger Unity Party or the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), sparking backlash.
The MDR Youth Congress swiftly responded, calling the remarks disrespectful and demanding a public apology from Tarpeh.
Edwin Simpson, Secretary General of the MDR Youth Congress, criticized the statement as dismissive of the MDR’s political relevance.
He argued that the MDR is not a mere supporting player, but a “main verb” in Liberia’s political structure.
Simpson further emphasized the MDR’s instrumental role in helping the Unity Party ascend to power in past elections.
The comment has stirred broader debate about the perceived marginalization of smaller political parties in national discourse.
According to Simpson, such language undermines the contributions of allied parties that have worked towards democratic governance.
He described Tarpeh’s remarks as both “harsh and unacceptable”, demanding that the Unity Party Chairman retract his statement publicly.
The MDR insists that political respect must be mutual, especially among former allies with shared goals.
Observers say the fallout could threaten future collaborations between the two parties.
As tensions rise, many await Tarpeh’s response, which could either ease the friction or further strain the already fragile political alliance.
