October 27, 2005 - (AllAfrica) As campaign activities for the runoff election scheduled for November 8, 2005 begin today, one of the two Presidential Candidates qualified by the National Elections Commission (NEC) to contest the runoff election, Madam Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf continues to receive support from diverse groupings and political institutions in the country.

The latest grouping and political institution to endorse the candidacy of Mrs. Sirleaf are the Liberia Women Initiative (LWI) and the Free Democratic Party (FDP) one of the political parties that contested the October 11, 2005 Legislative and Presidential Elections.

Addressing a news conference Wednesday at the offices of LWI in Monrovia, the group's Secretary General, Etweda Cooper said Mrs. Sirleaf is prepared, qualified, competent, and is the leader needed for accountability, transparency, development and integrity.

Madam Cooper encouraged women to vote for the Unity Party (UP) Standard Bearer because she understands the intricacies and has the credentials and willingness to work for a positive change so that the society can be secured, progressive and prosperous.

The LWI's Secretary General acknowledged that Liberia is endowed with vast natural resources, which must be harnessed to develop the country and its people including the children who need education.

The women group called on all Liberians especially women regardless of their political affiliation, religious, ethnic, educational or social background to turn out en mass on November 8, 2005 to vote into office a leader for all Liberians adding, "a loving mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and ably qualified leader who will reinforce Liberians' belief in justice, equality, hope for a better tomorrow for the unborn generation.

As for the FDP of Mr. David Farhat, in its press statement Wednesday said, having given much consideration to the necessity to have a strong presidency in a splintered post-war environment, believes that Mrs. Sirleaf will be in a better position to bring all of the many interests of the Liberian body politic together and steer the ship of state on an irreversible path to sustainable development.

The party in the press statement signed by its Vice Standard Bearer, Mr. S. Ciapha Gborlee, Jr. indicated that Liberia needs a person like Mrs. Sirleaf who is a developmental expert of proven capability and experience to now take Liberia on par with other nations of the world adding, " we believe that Liberians would succeed in their dreams for development with Mrs. Sirleaf as president."

FDP among other things averred that the UP "Iron Lady" represents the women of Liberia who have long been in the vanguard of the struggle for political emancipation noting, her victory will be a victory for all mothers, all housewives, sisters and all daughters of Liberia and indeed of Africa.

The party further stated that with the Harvard trained Economist as president of the country, the country can boast of a better and more prosperous nation, which will regain its lost dignity and be recognized among the comity of nations.

FDP then urged its supporters, partisans and well wishers as well as eligible voters to vote in favor of the Unity Party Flag Bearer for a new Liberia that promises freedom from fear of further instability and return to past uncertainties.

From: http://allafrica.com/stories/200510270062.html