By Lincoln G. Peters
Congo Town, Monrovia, June 28, 2026 – Unity Party (UP) National Chairman Rev. Dr. Luther Tarpeh has urged Liberian political parties to abandon what he described as seasonal patronage politics and personality-driven leadership, calling instead for stronger institutions, long-term national planning, and people-centered governance.
Tarpeh made the remarks during a reception at the Chinese Embassy in Monrovia marking the 105th anniversary of the founding of the Communist Party of China (CPC), attended by President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Chinese Ambassador Yin Chengwu, Senate Pro Tempore Nyonblee Karnga-Lawrence, and other senior government officials.
Drawing comparisons between the CPC and Liberia’s political system, Tarpeh outlined three lessons he said Liberian political parties could learn from China’s governing party: grassroots development, long-term national planning, and institutional discipline.
He praised the CPC for lifting hundreds of millions of people out of poverty through sustained leadership, strategic planning, and grassroots engagement.
According to Tarpeh, Liberian political parties should move away from what he termed the culture of “seasonal patronage,” where voters receive attention only during election periods.
“We must become instruments of continuous socio-economic empowerment by addressing poverty through practical policies, education, healthcare, and other development initiatives,” he said.
Tarpeh also urged political parties to prioritize poverty reduction and measurable development outcomes while shifting from factional politics to institutional governance rooted in patriotism and nationalism.
On national planning, he credited China’s economic transformation to decades of consistent development strategies and successive five-year plans.
He argued that Liberia’s development agenda is often interrupted by political transitions, with successive administrations abandoning the programs of their predecessors.
Tarpeh called for a long-term national development vision that would remain in force regardless of which political party is in power.
“We must unite around a shared national vision for the next 50, 75, or even 100 years so that every government remains committed to achieving it,” he said.
The UP Chairman also emphasized the importance of building political institutions rather than personalities.
He observed that many Liberian political parties are centered on individual leaders and often weaken or collapse when those leaders leave office.
According to him, the Communist Party of China has demonstrated the value of strong institutions built on clear ideology, internal discipline, merit-based leadership, and continuity.
“Liberian political parties must build institutions governed by rules, structure, loyalty, and merit instead of personality cults,” Tarpeh said.
He concluded by urging Liberian political leaders to build disciplined, visionary, and people-centered political institutions capable of advancing national development and reducing poverty.
Tarpeh congratulated the Communist Party of China on its 105th anniversary, describing it as “a shining example” of political organization and development in the Global South.
