India’s Confidence of ‘Free Election’ in Liberia

India’S Ambassador, Pradip Yadav, has expressed his confidence that the upcoming elections will be “free, fair, and peaceful.”

Yadav, in recent remarks during the 76th Independence celebration of India, noted that Liberia has set a democratic example in Africa, which gives him strong feelings that the October 10 polls will not just be peaceful conduct, but meet the will of the Liberian people.

“India and Liberia also share strong democratic credentials and a tradition of free and fair elections,” the Ambassador said. “India is the Mother of Democracy and the largest democracy in the world.  Our democratic values have been an inspiration for the world to emulate.”

“Liberia too has set an example for other countries especially in Africa with its strong democratic traditions.   I am confident that free, fair, and peaceful elections will be conducted by Liberia in October,” he added. 

Yadav, in his speech, noted that bilateral trade between Liberia and India has been growing steadily since the opening of the latter Embassy.

Indian exports, he claimed, rose from US$ 225.65 million in 2020-21 to 257.15 million in 2022-23, while Liberian exports to India rose from a modest US$6.95 million in 2020 to US$ 26.80 million in 2022-23.

“We are not interested in increasing Indian exports alone but we have also been striving to boost Liberian exports to India too.  Rice is India’s main export to Liberia and let me clarify that there is no ban on the export of parboiled rice from India to Liberia, which is the variety of rice imported by Liberia.

“We have provided numerous fully-paid scholarships to Liberian students, teachers, and Government officials including from the Armed Forces of Liberia,”  Yadav noted. “I take pride in saying that since the opening of the Embassy in Monrovia, Incredible India has emerged as a preferred destination for higher education and medical treatment among our Liberian friends. “

The Ambassador also shared the progress made by the Indian Embassy in Monrovia since its establishment, including the provision of passport and visa services.

The event, held at the Iconic Monrovia City Hall, also marked the closing ceremony of the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' - the Grand Celebrations of India's Independence, which was celebrated from March 12, 2021, to August 15, 2023. 

The festivities began with the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign, encouraging people of Indian origin to hoist the Tricolour Indian Flag at their homes from August 13 to 15.

“India and Liberia not only share decades-old very warm and cordial relations but many other aspects too,” Yadav noted. “Our Prime Minister believes in ‘Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas’- Everyone together for Everyone’s progress.  HE the President of Liberia also has a vision – ‘Pro-Poor Agenda for Prosperity and Development’ for the upliftment of the underprivileged.”