The “University of the Air” Professor Kettehkumeh Murray is lingering in space, victim of a wave of primary casualties which have dashed the hopes of several incumbent lawmakers eyeing a return to the National Legislature.

Rep. Kettehkumeh Murray

Rep. Murray, the current representative of District #3 lost the ruling Unity Party primary Saturday to a newcomer Miller Katakaw, joining Gabriel Smith, the renowned Liberty Party lawmaker who would not be in session when the Legislature convened next year, should he not stand as an independent candidate or join an opposition party.

The shocking exits herald several political parties in Liberia, including the ruling Unity Party who have ended their primary across the  country with many new faces expected to find  themselves at the Legislature after the October or November poll results are announced in their favor while some incumbent have fallen by the wayside .

Dr. Murray is still struggling to explain to the Liberian people and the people of his district over the erection of a colossal sign board in his district with a nomenclature “University of The Air” and his image placed directly opposite it, bowed in shame following the announcement of primary results.

The poetic Lawmaker’s plan ‘B’ is still a mystery, but sources have hinted that intends to go solo as an independent candidate, a slot he allegedly secured months to the primaries.

Results from the opposition Liberty Party and some results from the camp of the ruling party have pulled surprises as many incumbent lawmakers who claimed they were popular among their people now find themselves at the edge, due to votes taken by voting members against them to deny them representation at the 53rd Legislature on their party ticket.

The results of the various primaries have put a final seal on political wrangling among party officials who have been throwing their nets for legislative posts. Arguments over the democratic nature of the various processes have ensued, with reports from at least every county indicating that the senior party executives influenced the results of the primaries. But some have countered that the results from the primaries represent the interest of the people.

Liberty Party: Big-name Smith out

Liberty Party’s Standard Bearer Cllr. Charles Brumskine and few party executives have been accused of shattering the dream of one of their own, a man who has bragged overtime that he is popular among his people and remained one of the lone voices at the lower house of the Liberian Legislature. Incumbent Gabriel Smith was ousted after results of the Liberty Party’s primary were announced in Buchanan, Grand Bassa County.

Rep. Smith, chairman of the House standing Committee on Elections and Inauguration fell at the feet of rival George Gaybueh. The little-known Gaybueh according to party officials pulled the strings in the party, after Rep. Smith failed to support the interest of his party (Liberty Party) at the National Legislature over the controversial increase in the fees of aspirants’ registration for this year’s elections.

Reports from Grand Bassa County say even some trusted allies of Rep. Smith feared risking their interest with the party by daring to support him. Inside sources hinted to FPA that some of Smith’s 50 votes were denied him.

“Even his own handbag man refused to vote for him….a balance 50-50 vote was needed before the super delegates decide but he even struggled to gather his own votes”, a source added.

Rep. Gabriel B. Smith

News from the port city, formerly district #3 now district #4, during the early morning hours of the primary polls spoke of Rep. Smith’s sympathizers and supporters overcrowding his residence in an apparent show of his home grown support which could not however be translated at the party level.

Rep. Smith later told a local radio show that he was considering his options. Reports are suggesting that he  may had had a drop-back plan of previously registering as an independent candidate while another report says he is being lured to join another opposition camp.

Rep. Smith, speaking to journalists following his defeat said he was not giving up his quest to contest. He said he was only disappointed over the results because he still thinks he remains the lone alternative in the Buchanan belt, the stronghold of Liberty Party.

Liberty party won over 58% of the votes in Buchanan during the 2005 elections and produced five out of the six lawmakers that entered the Liberian legislature.

Like Smith Rep. Vinicius Hodges fell as well. Hodges failed to convince supporters of that he could give the party the desire results were legislative elections results announced today.  Hodges was badly beaten by Jessey Tartue following votes cast by super delegates. Senator Nathaniel Innis and Samuel Page were left smiling as they both were got their post on white ballots polls, having an unopposed quest with people from within their party from their various districts.

Page and Innis are said not to be very popular among their people, one party executive told FPA; but were successful in getting the ‘lucky cards’ by being unopposed during their party primaries. Whether or not they will be able to deliver their various constituencies to the Party remains a million dollar question, but the two men have already sealed their deal. In Grand Kru County, Cllr. Fonati Koffa was declared winner of District #2.

‘Unity Party Smile and Cry Game’

For the ruling Unity Party news of fraud and foul play from various counties in their party primary heave across Monrovia like wildfire, even though party officials have slammed the reports as being totally untrue.

In Bomi County, Speaker Alex Tyler though challenged emerged winner of his district. Newcomer, S. Gayah Karmore joined the race for the house, while Haja Fata Siryon, following a controversial contest, was announced winner for her Swen Mecca District area, while Richard Divine has secured his slot for the senatorial post on the UP ticket.

Speaker Alex Tyler

UP’s Primary in Grand Cape Mount County was also a bitter-sweet. For some it was a process truly democratic while for others it was a sad, painful and disappointing moment.

Dr. Eugene Shannon who over the last seven months following his resignation, turned the tide in the Western belt by rehabilitating roads, electrifying some towns as well as engaging his constituency on a regular basis, ended the dreams of his only rival Adams Monobala during their party’s primary.

The junior senatorial post is still being contested as Dr. Foday Kromah considered the favorite for the post and his rival Edward Dakoseh maintained an eagle eye on the position. Dakoseh according to sources had won in a controversial style, but heavily opposed by delegates of the party including some partisans of the ruling party.

River Cess was also a sad and smile game. Incumbent Elizabeth Williams was unable to hold onto her post with the ruling party, but was ousted by newcomer Thomas Doue, who is still left with a huge challenge as there are several independent candidates like the county’s current superintendent Willington Gevon Smith planning to contest.

Among them, independent candidate and Liberia’s Transformation Party wonder-boy Hilary S. Mento also a former journalist. Mento has won the admiration of the young people but whether he is capable to outmatch his opponents including the Unity Party’s Thomas Doue remains a matter to consider.