CONGO TOWN, Montserrado – As Liberians prepare to elect a new president in the runoff election slated for December 6, Joseph N. Boakai, vice president and standard bearer of the governing Unity Party has promised Liberians that he will only serve for one term if elected president.

“I, Joseph Nyuma Boakai, make a solemn pledge to serve only one of six years with humility and love,” he said, delivering a special statement at the party’s headquarters in Congo Town on Thursday.

Boakai’s pledge is similar to one made by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who had initially promised to serve only one term but then later decided to run for a second term.

The vice president urged Liberians to take a moment and soberly reflect on the future of their country. He said for some, it may be convenient to forget the terrible past Liberia went through because of the peace and stability enjoyed for the past 12 years.

“Many young people who have become first time voters in the 2017 elections may not have experienced the darkest part of the country’s history and the struggles to arrive at where its people are today,” he said.

Recounting the country’s terrible past, he noted that less than 20 years ago, Liberians were fleeing in every direction with only the clothes on their backs or bundles.

Liberians, Boakai said, were at the mercy of commanders and child soldiers.

“Citizens of many West African countries paid the ultimate price with their lives to help save Liberians in the process,” he added. “Our cherished country became a pariah and a failed state.”

He said the country’s leaders were viewed as a laughing stock around the world, as “Liberians became refugees and a dispossessed people.”

The vice president added that the international community, through UNMIL, sent thousands of peacekeepers and spent billions of dollars to help restore peace in Africa’s oldest nation.

Boakai commended Liberians for the peace they enjoy today, adding that a manifestation of that peace is that “many individuals can leave one political party for the other without loyalty to anyone or commitment to country but with false promises of jobs and building heaven on earth.”

The vice president said emerging victorious in the runoff election for him is not about becoming president but rather a bigger victory for all Liberians and the future of the country.

“I therefore call on all Liberians, no matter your party affiliation, to set aside our differences and put the country above self,” he said, alluding to his campaign theme of patriotism.

Boakai indicated that as the party has repeatedly stated, when it eventually wins the election, a government of inclusion will be formed to bring on board all Liberians who are capable of positively contributing to their country “no matter their political, ethnic, religious or other backgrounds.”

Many Liberians, Boakai stated, want to see a country that will be associated with good governance, adding that “Liberians are yearning for a leader who will govern well to ensure accountability, transparency, social justice, expose and defeat corruption, promote equity and provide opportunities and the wise use of our resources.”

“They demand a leader that can productively engage the world for the good of our people and the image of our country,” he stressed.

Boakai said he knows the expectation of Liberians and have heard their demands for better road connectivity and infrastructure, improved health care, education, increased food production, electricity, water and decent employment.

“When you elect Joe Boakai, the UP will provide those opportunities to transform your lives,” he maintained.

He pointed out that the party would work with all Liberians to fulfill their dreams for a better country “where corruption will not define governance and where infrastructure development and a sound economy largely controlled by Liberians will be a hallmark of our leadership.”

“Your vote is the key to unlocking these opportunities and transforming our country, and we must campaign and join the hundreds of thousands of our compatriots around the country who are working hard to get out the votes and win this election with a clear mandate to govern,” he added.

Featured photo by Zeze Ballah