Monrovia – Liberian politics is undergoing a seismic shift as the National Patriotic Party (NPP), one of the constituent members of the Grand Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), has announced its immediate withdrawal from the coalition. This decision comes just months after the former ruling establishment suffered a narrow defeat to the Unity Party in the November elections, a loss that left many within the coalition reeling.
Former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor, the political leader of the NPP, led the charge in declaring the party’s withdrawal during a highly anticipated press conference on Monday, June 10, 2024. Joined by key party executives, Taylor cited the pressing need for the NPP to focus on the upcoming 2029 general and presidential elections as the primary motivation behind their decision.
Reading from a prepared statement, National Chairman George Mulbah outlined the internal processes that led to the NPP’s departure, emphasizing the overwhelming support for withdrawal among the party’s executive members. Mulbah referenced Article 11, Section 2 of the 2016 Coalition Document as the legal basis for their action, indicating a meticulous adherence to procedural protocol.
“The majority of members of the NEC petitioned the Executive Committee to withdraw from the Coalition of Democratic Change,” stated Mulbah, underscoring the gravity of the decision. “Of the 52 Executive members of the NPP, 40 members voted for the withdrawal of the party from the Grand Coalition.”
The news of the NPP’s withdrawal has sent shockwaves through Liberian politics, prompting speculation about the future of the CDC and the broader implications for national governance. With the Liberia People Democratic Party (LPDP) also reportedly contemplating a similar exit from the coalition, concerns about the stability and cohesion of the CDC are mounting.
“The fractures within the CDC under Janga’s leadership are evident,” remarked a disillusioned CDC supporter, highlighting growing discontent with the party’s leadership. “The inability to hold the coalition together is a reflection of leadership failure.”
With the next presidential election six years away, the withdrawal of the NPP and the potential departure of the LPDP pose significant challenges for the CDC as it prepares for future elections. As the CDC grapples with internal discord and the prospect of further coalition departures, the political landscape in Liberia remains in a state of flux. The withdrawal of the NPP and the potential unraveling of the coalition underscore the complex dynamics shaping Liberian politics and raise critical questions about the future trajectory of the country’s governance.
