Report coming in says one of Liberia’s rising political stars, Dr. Clarence Moniba is expected to name former Montserrado County Superintendent, Grace Kpaan, as his running mate for October 10, 2023 Presidential and Legislative elections.
Dr. Moniba, 44-year-old, who is the standard bearer for the Liberian National Union (LINU) and has a reputation for fiscal prudence, is energizing voters with promises that critics say border on populism.
However, his campaign promise has resulted in a groundswell of support amongst the two largest voting blocs in the country— youth and women — reinvigorating his campaign.
His now strategic alliance with Kpaan, a seasoned administrator with a wealth of experience in local governance, is seen as a formidable combination that could solidify his chances of success in the upcoming election.
Furthermore, Kpaan, as Montserrado County Superintendent, garnered recognition for her outstanding achievements in public service and, most especially, her indefatigable stance against corruption.
In 2013, she famously exposed a sitting Representative who tried to get her to participate in stealing the county development fund in the “You eat, I eat” scandal heard all over the country on various radio stations.
Her remarkable track record in effective governance and commitment to community development has earned her widespread admiration among both constituents and political observers.
“By selecting Grace Kpaan as his running mate, Dr. Moniba demonstrates his commitment to promoting capable and experienced individuals who can immediately contribute to the progress and development of the nation,” Lloyd Scott, Moniba’s Campaign Chair, disclosed.
“This ticket is the most experienced opposition ticket in terms of executive decision-making; it is prepared to ‘hit the ground’ running from day one. The duo’s shared vision for a prosperous and equitable Liberia has generated significant enthusiasm and high expectation among supporters and the general public.
“Together, this team will embark on their mission to build a ‘New Liberia’. They’re committed to enabling economic growth, creating job opportunities, and addressing some of Liberia’s most pressing challenges, from healthcare to education to economic growth to infrastructure development,” Scott said.
The selection of Kpaan, who once served as the President of the International Transport Workers Federation Coordinating Committee, marks a historic moment in Liberia as she will become the third female candidate contesting for the nation’s second-highest political office in the upcoming election.
As the election draws closer, political analysts anticipate that this strategic partnership will further consolidate Moniba’s standing as a rising political star, potentially shifting the political landscape if his campaign still maintains its current momentum.
Moniba, who worked 12 years in government, is settling with Kpaan after months of speculation and a grueling vetting process that included a dozen others under consideration.
His vision for Liberia, which is no doubt ambitious, includes introducing a national agricultural policy that ensures that each county becomes a food production zone by participating in mechanized agriculture towards building his ultimate goal of making the country self-sufficient in its staple food of rice.
It also involves creating a mortgage scheme to spur infrastructural development and home ownership and making sure that every high school graduate has at least two years of mandatory technical and vocational skills training.
Meanwhile, the unveiling of Kpaan, according to analysts, is expected to inject renewed energy and excitement into Moniba’s campaign, captivating voters and stimulating widespread discussions.
The announcement is scheduled to take place at a highly-anticipated campaign rally, where Moniba and Kpaan will share their collective vision for a better Liberia. The event is expected to attract a significant turnout of supporters, eager to witness the next phase of Moniba’s transformative political journey.
“It is a partnership that is rooted in shared values of accountability, transparency, and good governance. Dr. Moniba’s leadership style is highly principled, and he is an idealist who is passionate about the positive transformation of Liberia.
“Madam Kpaan’s vision aligns perfectly with these ideals, as she is renowned for her integrity and administrative acumen, and is a symbol of hope in the fight against systemic corruption in Liberia’s administrative system,” Scott added.
