Christians in Liberia have expressed their hope in the presidential run-off election set for November, saying that it will bring new changes to the nation.
On Oct. 11, Liberia’s first democratic presidential election was held since the end of the 14-year civil war, which concluded in 2003. Figures from the National Electoral Commission showed that about 1.3 million Liberians had registered to vote at more than 3,000 polling stations with the turnout rate topping 74 percent.According to Church World Service (CWS), a statement released after the election by the Liberian Council of Churches said "the turnout and peaceful demonstration of Liberians on Elections Day gives a clear and undoubting indication of Liberians' commitment to usher in democratisation and recovery."
The Council also hailed the orderliness and peacefulness of the voting process, especially the resilience, tolerance and patience exhibited by voters, particularly the youth, pregnant women, mothers with babies, and the elderly.
According to reports, churches are very actively engaged in maintaining peace in this period of social and political transition.
To support voter education, build civil society, and raise awareness of human rights, the Liberian Council of Churches has partnered with the Education and Advocacy Program of Church World Service (CWS), reported CWS. The member churches in the Liberian Council of Churches have helped to mobilise their congregations to register and vote, especially among the women.
A team of international ecumenical observers was sent by CWS to monitor the Oct. 11 poll including those from Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (USA); the United Church of Christ (USA); Evangelical Development Service – EED (Germany); Finn Church Aid (Finland); the Church of Sweden; the World Council of Churches; Mercy Ships; Pentecostal Missionary Union; and the Fellowship of Christian Councils and Churches in West Africa.
Heads of churches and Christian organisations in Liberia also participated as observers/monitors, according to CWS.
"The Liberian Council of Churches did so much good work to recruit and train election monitors," reflected Susan Sanders, one of the observers from the United Church of Christ in the United States."Many young people participated in the election as observers, poll workers, and voters,” she said, according to CWS. “There is no doubt in my mind that the election will be determined to be free, fair, transparent, and credible.”
As Christians look forward to the run-off election scheduled on Nov. 8, Liberian Christians and churches are looking for a leader who can inspire positive change.
