Yesterday, the Liberia People Democratic Party (LPDP) announced its withdrawal from the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), following the earlier departure of the National Patriotic Party (NPP). This move leaves the Congress for Democratic Change standing alone within the coalition.
LPDP formally declared its exit from the coalition through a resolution signed by a substantial majority of its National Executive Committee members. The party had been a constituent member of the Coalition for Democratic Change since 2016 until its decision to withdraw in 2024.
Addressing reporters at a news conference on Wednesday, George Woodtor, National Vice Chair for Press and Public Affairs, expressed the party’s rationale for withdrawal, stating, “The painful defeat of the CDC in the 2023 elections by the Unity Party has undermined the coalition’s joint governance efforts.”
Frustrated partisans within LPDP voiced their discontent with the current coalition dynamics. One member lamented, “We joined the coalition for a shared vision of governance, but recent electoral setbacks have tested our commitment.” Another added, “The withdrawal reflects our need to reassess our political strategy moving forward.”
Within the CDC ranks, frustration and anger simmered over the coalition’s unraveling. An unnamed CDC member voiced disappointment, saying, “The leadership of CDC failed us by allowing the coalition to fall apart. We should have done more to maintain unity and strategic cohesion.”
The initial coalition between CDC, NPP, and LPDP had secured the 2017 election victory, ushering George Weah from CDC into the presidency and installing Jewel Howard Taylor as Vice President.
This development marks a critical juncture in Liberian politics, prompting introspection and recalibration of political strategies as parties brace for future electoral contests amidst shifting alliances and dynamics.