Opposition candidate Alexander B. Cummings has acknowledged his defeat in the presidential election, but he does so with reservations. The National Elections Commission (NEC) has yet to finalize the official announcement of the results. Cummings, who led the opposition Collaborating Political Parties (CPP) and the Alternative National Congress (ANC), entered the 2023 race as one of the main challengers to incumbent President George Manneh Weah. Unfortunately, the election results have placed Cummings in sixth place in most of Liberia’s 15 counties, while other candidates have surged to distant third, fourth, and fifth positions.
In response to the announced results, Cummings assured his supporters that he will do everything possible to investigate and uncover the truth behind what happened. He promised that those involved will be held accountable, regardless of how long it takes. Cummings expressed his dismay at the results, which he believes defy common sense and undermine Liberia’s democracy. He stated that the election outcome is making people feel as though their right to freely choose their leaders has been stolen from them. Cummings acknowledged that the alleged scheme to manipulate the voters’ choices may be difficult to trace and prove, but he firmly believes that it poses a threat to the country’s democracy, security, and stability.
Cummings emphasized that those responsible, along with their collaborators, are underestimating the determination of the Liberian people. He stated that Liberians will not be demoralized or give up their desire for democratic governance and peace, as they have paid a high price for their cherished democracy. Cummings urged his supporters to remain peaceful and abide by the law. He assured them that victory will eventually be theirs and that there will be consequences for anyone seeking to undermine Liberia’s young democracy and act against the interests of the Liberian people. He called on his partisans, sympathizers, and supporters to never lose hope in themselves or their country.
Furthermore, Cummings declared that Liberia will never be the same, thanks to the pursuit of real change that they have embarked on together. He firmly believes that the country will be fixed, either now or in the future, as Liberians deserve better. Cummings emphasized that the election results cannot deny the fact that the Liberian people want change.
