PHOTO: PUP Candidate James M. Kolleh (dressed in all white attire) with jubilant supporters
By Emmanuel Mafelah, mafelahemmanuel29@gmail.com
GBARNGA, Liberia- With just 24 hours following the conduct of the Bong County District #2 by-election, two candidates in the election have conceded defeat, something that came ahead of the announcement of official results by the National Elections Commission (NEC).
The two candidates, in a telephone interview with a local community radio station in Gbarnga Wednesday, congratulated the People’s Unification Party, (PUP), James M. Kolleh who was at the time in a comfortable lead.
Mr. Kolleh was on Thursday declared the winner of the election by NEC’s Chairperson, Davidetta Browne-Lansanah.
His two rivals who conceded defeat even before NEC declared the official results were Joshua D. K. Better of the Collaborating Political Parties (CPP) and James K. Saybay of the Liberia Restoration Party,(LRP), who called on their supporters to remain steadfast and await future elections.
The Bong County District #2 by-election featured 12 aspirants. They include Joshua D. K. Better of the Collaborating Political Parties(CPP), James K. Saybay of the Liberia Restoration Party (LRP) and Jefferson L. Blackie of the Rainbow Alliance.
Others are Independent Edward Emmanuel Gboe, People’s Unification Party, James M. Kolleh has taken commanding lead, according to provisional results, Melvin K. Salvage of the Coalition for Democratic Changes (CDC) among others.
Two of the main contenders who have already conceded defeat have pledged their willingness to work with Kolleh, – the presumed winner of the county’s polls. They said despite the result of the elections, they will continue to work in the District in order to win the minds of citizens in future elections.
“My team and I worked very hard to emerge victorious but the Will of the people showed otherwise. Our special thanks to Mr. Alexander Benedict Cummings and Mr. Musa Hassan Bility and the entire leadership of the CPP fit the supports.
“To those of you who voted me, thanks for believing in me. You voted right and hearts off to you. To the majority of voters who voted against me, I will keep doing what I can humanly to win your hearts, despite the defeat.”
For his part, Kolleh thanked supporters, fellow contestants and Bong county District five lawmaker, Edward W. Karfiah of the PUP; former Bong District #1 lawmaker, Tokpah J. Mulbah and everyone for the level of support given him during the electoral process.
“To all my citizens in electoral district #2, I say thank you so very much. I can assure you today that the decision which you took yesterday by going to the polls to vote me, will not be in vain. Once NEC pronounces us winner of this process, immediately we will start working for you, not leaving you behind,” said Kolleh
He then promised to work with all members of the Bong County Legislative Caucus, Christian community and Muslim communities, motorcyclists, women, the youth and persons with disabilities, among other.
He this will ensure realistic development in the county at large and District #2 in particular.