Elections 2005: Another Debate

Candidates started to arrive around 12:45 for the 4-hour-long program. The first candidateto make to enter was Dr. Togba-Nah Tipoteh, who in his unpretentious manner, walked in alone, shaking hands and stopping to talk to people. He was closely followed by Cllr. Charles W. Brumskine who was accompanied by his vice-presidential candidate Amelia Ward. Just a few feet ahead of them, a woman was carrying a red Bible, in her right hand. Then the crowd of invited guests started to fill the hall. There was a roar and clapping when Unity Party Ellen Johnson Sirleaf made her entrance.

Bryant Signs 103 Internation Treaties: A Record For A Single State At Any One Time.

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said the signings were a landmark.

Meanwhile World Bank Liberia director Mats Karlsson described them as "absolutely extraordinary".

The Big Questions: Why is Charles Bryant signing such a large number of treaties on our behalf when the country is just 23 days away from general elections? Why the hurry? What was he doing in the last two years? Did he read these treaties before signing them?

Consolation: Under liberian law, treaties do not take effect unless and until the liberian Senate advises ratification by the president. Chairman, not president, bryant's signing is but the first preliminary step in creating a binding treaty obligation for liberia.