President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has reaffirmed her commitment to the presidential ambitions of Vice President Boakai, adding that she will do all she can to ensure that he is elected come 2017.

President Sirleaf told the 425 delegates, who have hailed from every part of the country, at the Unity Party’s national convention in Gbarnga, Bong County, that she gives her “unflinching” support to the Vice President because she wants the party to become the bridge of continuity, unity and development in Liberian history.

The Liberian leader informed the gathering that her Unity Party led government has, over a very short period of time – judging from whence the government came – been able to undertake substantial developments that have impacted the lives of people across the country.

The President cautioned partisans not to take anything for granted, going as far as advising them to make alliances with other political parties if the Unity Party is to win the pending presidential elections.

The Standard Bearer of the UP admonished party members to strategize new plans for the party’s survival, one that is different from those of the other political parties, even if the party is not in power.

President Sirleaf informed those at the convention to be committed to their collective gains, which would secure a comfortable seat for the Vice President ahead of the 2017 elections, and to warn other parties that the Unity Party is for development.

On democracy in Liberia, President Sirleaf said the Unity Party, the Liberia Unification Party and the Liberia Action Party played a leading role in restoring democracy in the country.

The Liberian Chief Executive said the three political parties challenged the military regime of the time – a first for Liberia – and paved way for multi-party democracy in Liberia.

She challenged party members to use the convention to unite with partisans “who one way or the other felt cheated or hurt,” to reconcile and concentrate on the crucial 2017 elections.

Speaking earlier, the Chairman of the Unity Party Convention 2017, Bong County Electoral District #2 Representative Prince Kermue Moye, said the reason for the convention is to “primarily elect a standard bearer and other officials of the party that would steer the affairs of the party for the next six years, which will be in 2022.”

Representative Moye said there will be a broad based strategic policy for campaign during the 2017 elections, coupled with reports from other officials who have been in position for the past six years.

The Bong County Lawmaker urged partisans to maintain the existing peace and “keep it sustainable for the development of the country.”