Ellen Welcomes Debate on Second Term Bid

MONROVIA – President Ellen Jonson Sirleaf says she welcomes the debate from opposition politicians across the country on her recent decision to contest the upcoming 2011 general and presidential elections.

Speaking to legislative reporters Friday when she paid a courtesy call on Senate Pro-Tempore, Cletus Wotorson, Sirleaf said the debate demonstrates the high level of democracy in the country.

“Yes, I welcome the debate. I believe that this is very good for our country and it shows to the world and Liberians that democracy is high in our country,” the Liberian leader said.

Sirleaf’s statement comes in the wake of the continuous debate from opposition politicians who described the President’s announcement as a breach of moral confidence.

They have also contended that the venue at which the announcement was made was unconstitutional and are currently demanding an apology from the President.

It can be recalled that during her annual address to members of the 52nd National Legislature, Sirleaf disclosed that she will be “a formidable candidate” in the 2011 elections.

The opposition politicians believe that the President violated article 58 of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia which, among other things, mandates the president to submit a progress report to the Legislature highlighting the progress and challenges of her administration.

According to them, President Sirleaf must extend an apology to the Legislature for what they described as violation of the Constitution and for reducing the secret chamber of the Legislature to a political rally ground.

The President, in her reaction, said her office was yet to receive a formal communication demanding an apology.

In a related development, the Unity Party’s Legislative Caucus has welcomed the recent decision by Sirleaf to contest the 2011 elections.

Addressing a news conference at the capitol building last Friday, the Caucus said the President’s decision was based on her vision to prioritize education, while other camps would like to keep the people ‘dumb and ignorant, barefooted and illiterate’.