-Chief Zanzan Karwor tells male politicians.
By: Jerromie S. Walters
As women remain solely one of the most vulnerable group of people in the society, and mostly in politics, Chief Zanzan Karwor, the Head of the National Council of Chiefs and Elders of Liberia, has highlighted the need that female politicians be respected and accorded the needed regards by their male counterparts, now, during, and even after the October 10, 2023, presidential and legislative elections.
While serving as the Orator of Liberia’s 176th Independence Day Celebration mid Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at the Centennial Pavilion, Chief Zanzan Karwor frowned at attitude of male politicians, exhibiting unorthodox behavior against female politicians.
In his view, women deserve the strongest regard as expected by their male counterparts, as such; they should at all times be treated with respect, amid their political affiliation.
He believes politicians and their supporters should be more concerned about the platforms of their contenders, especially those that are female, than personal attacks. “Let us respect our women”, he pleaded with Liberians especially during these electoral periods.
As exhibited by supporters of parties and candidates, and the media, the Head of the Traditional Council discouraged unauthorized pronouncements of results, in the pending October 10, 2023 general elections.
He sees it as a possible medium to conflict, and civil unrest, especially when those results announced by parties’ supporters are contrary to the results that are later announced by the National Elections Commission (NEC), which is the only body that is enraged with the authorities to do so.
With this, he warned Liberians, and added that “We want peace”, considering that it has the proclivity to jeopardize the country’s peace and stability.
The elections law provides it is only the Chairperson of the National Elections Commission (NEC) that has legal and constitutional authority to announce who becomes the victor of any election conducted by the Commission.
“Those of our people at the polling stations are the ones who can bring out violence and small, small confusion. The number that is not even out is the one they can put forth. I want to announce here that we want peace,” the Chief Zanzan Karwor said.
Also, he wants the National Elections Commission (NEC) to create an enabling environment for all Liberians that are interested in participating in the October 10, 2023 elections, as a means of exercising the beauty of democracy and avoiding dissatisfaction that might lead to the worst “Let everyone participate,” he urged.
“Those of our children that declare their ambition for whatever they want, please create a level playing field. Let everybody participate. Because we want a very free, fair and transparent election. Let me announce, whether you work with the Elections Commission, you are not authorized to announce the election results.
As part of his commitment to ensure a smooth electoral process comes October, the Head of the National Traditional Council of Liberia emphasized the ban placed on female genital mutilation in Liberia.
“To support free, fair and transparent elections, in my capacity as Chairperson of the Traditional Council of the Republic of Liberia, we have placed a ban on our traditional practices. We do not want any opposition or whosoever to say that I went to this village to campaign but I cannot do it because of cultural practices,” he said.
He lauded the signing of the drug law, but urged the polices to ensure that it is fully implemented. “Police don’t go out susu, don’t allow the people to give you money,” he advised.
Chief Zanzan Karwor further hailed the US and all other countries that have been supportive to Liberia, since the end of the countries years of civil conflict.
At the same time, he has guaranteed the National Traditional Council fervent regards to the current leadership, on grounds that it is traditionally unhealthy for them to get into confrontation with their leaders (Traditional Leaders/people)“We can not fight our leaders and we will not fight our leaders,” he admonished his traditional people.
Chief Zanzan Jarwor assured the National Traditional Council’s commitment to the governance of the state, and guaranteed their commitment to support the president’s regime. “We are prepare to pay our taxes,” he stressed.
From his end, President George Weah while also in a remark at the occasion, assured the nation that the best is yet to come. The Liberian President said the nation and world would marvel at the country’s rise to nobler heights and called on citizens to continue to develop the spirit of love, unity, and reconciliation.
According to him, the best days of the nation are yet to come and that the journey toward prosperity and progress is far from over.
The President Weah assures that he remains optimistic of a better Liberia which he said is only realizable through unity, peace, reconciliation and the determination to put the national interest above individual desires.
He pleaded that those desires should not be put above the interest and general well-being of the country. President Weah accordingly challenged Liberians to look to the future with hope and optimism because the country has come a long way.
“Although I am the Chief Executive Administrator of the country, the success we are promising does not rest with me alone,” he noted, adding that inclusiveness of this exercise requires the full and committed participation of all our citizens and friendly partners.
“Above all, it requires the unreserved commitment of those political stakeholders who are vying for positions in these forthcoming elections, as well as their followers,” the Dr. Weah continued. “It should be understood that, while our individual and collective political interests are uppermost, those desires should not be put above the interest and general well-being of the country, which is indeed our collective interest.”
President Weah reminded Liberians not to ignore the importance of peace after long and bitter years in the wilderness of anarchy.
“I am happy that since August 18, 2003, when leaders of various factions and interests made a solemn affirmation to end violence by signing the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in Accra, Ghana, Liberians have demonstrated their resolve never to resort to violence or go to war to settle their grievances,” the President reflected.
According to the President, Liberians are celebrating not just the anniversary of independence but also the resilience of the people, who he said have clung to the hope of a united and prosperous Liberia amidst challenges.
President Weah used the occasion to express his determination and energy in ensuring that the interest of the Liberian people is served and that their will is done during the pending presidential and legislative elections.
The Liberian Leader also recalled the recently signed Farmington Declaration, which imposes on political leasers the onus to accept the results of elections and refrain from violence. He said: “Today, I reiterate, with renewed resolve, my commitment to patriotically discharge the responsibilities imposed on me as your leader, in the promotion and preservation of the fundamental rights and freedoms that are guaranteed by the Constitution, and to strive to create an atmosphere that is conducive to the free and unrestricted right to exercise your franchise in a peaceful, transparent, and inclusive process.”
The President promised to ensure that the conduct of the October 10th General and Presidential Elections is credible and meets all national and international standards.
He, however, said the success of the election as promised does not rest with him alone. “The inclusiveness of this exercise requires the full and committed participation of all our citizens and friendly partners,” he noted. “Above all, it requires the unreserved commitment of those political stakeholders who are vying for positions in these forthcoming elections, as well as their followers.”
He also thanked President Adama Barrow, President of the Republic of the Gambia, and His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, President of the Republic of Ghana; for honoring his invitation to grace this occasion with their presence. Similar appreciation was also extended to the Speaker and Members of the ECOWAS Parliament and the distinguished representatives of the African Union for honoring the invitation to be at today’s occasion
According to him, their presence signifies the strong bonds of brotherhood and solidarity that exist within the African continent.
President Weah congratulated the National Orator, Chief Zanzan Karwor, Chairman of the Council of Chiefs and Elders, for what he termed “beautiful oration he delivered today.”
He said his selection to serve as National Orator was in honor and respect to the Traditional Chiefs and Zoe’s of the land.
“I am sure that his message has resonated with all Liberians, as it did with me, and that it will have a meaningful impact on our unity, our peace, and our forward progress. It is also my hope that the message in today’s oration will inspire us to re-examine ourselves and continue relentlessly in our pursuit of national reconciliation.”
This year’s Independence Day celebration was held under the theme, “Giving Our People Hope For A Violence Free, Fair, Transparent and Inclusive And Credible Elections”..President Weah Says Liberia’s Best Days Yet To Come as He Speaks to Nation at 176th Independence Anniversary.
