The first ever Presidential debate organized by international partners commenced in Liberia Tuesday, October 3, 2023 with the main contenders, President George Weah, Joseph Boakai and Alexander Cummings  all boycotting the event.
The debate is centered around the Economy, health, education, rule of law, peace and security, agriculture and food security including foreign policy, youth empowerment, drug abuse among others.

It was organized by Internews Liberia with support from the United States Agency for International Development, USAID and other partners.

The Chief of Party for the USAID-funded Liberia Media Development Program Lien Bach says the conduct of the October elections is a critical component toward the consolidation of peace and stability in Liberia.
She said over the last two decades, Liberians have shown that true democracy is the only way to progress as a country.

According to Madam Lien Bach, the USAID-media activities has organized the debates to assist Liberians sustain their country’s democracy.

Meanwhile, Presidential candidate Sheikh Al-Mustapha KOUYATEH of the Liberia First Movement Party says sustaining true democracy can only be achieved through the establishment of a war and economic courts to prosecute warlords who are still breeding conflicts in the minds of Libeians.

“In my first 100 days, I will ensure that war and economic crimes courts are established so that we can serve as a deterrent for war criminals or economic criminals,” said during the debate.

He said over the years, Liberia has become a safe haven for war criminals and warlords. They know the only way they can get power is to terrorize the LIberian people,” he said.

Meanwhile, Presidential candidate Simeon Freeman of the Movement for Progressive Change Party for his part disagrees and says the best way to ensure accountability is to invest in the country’s justice system.

“That’s lazy, when War criminals need to be prosecuted in America, they don’t set up a war and economic crimes court; they use their judicial system,”: he says.

Campaigning activities are still going on across the country as Liberians prepare to head to the polls on October 10 2023.
Meanwhile, during the debate, seven presidential candidates spoke on policy issues affecting the economy, foreign policy, peace and security, and unemployment at the event.

Tuider William Wiah, Presidential candidate on the ticket of the Democratic National Alliance Party promised to overhaul the country’s education system prioritizing these policies.

For candidate Bendu Kromah, her approach to the rule of law will be promoting peace and reconciliation.

On issues relating to access to quality healthcare delivery, candidate Richard Saye Miller proposed more investment in health targeting midwives across the country.

For now, the second debate is expected to take place on September 6 in central Liberia, Bong County.