Ruling Liberia Party Replaces Chairman
Sen. Kekura Kpoto has been dropped as chairman of the ruling National Democratic Party of Liberia in an apparent move to improve the party’s image at home and abroad.
The 52-year-old Kpoto, a French-educated businessman and politician, was replaced by Mattia Sherman, who heads the women’s wing of the party.
The change was announced late Monday at the end of a four-hour meeting of the party leadership chaired by Liberian President Samuel K. Doe.
A statement cited poor health as a reason for the change. However, political sources said it was part of an effort by Doe to clean up the party, which was accused of strong-arm tactics in October, 1985, when Doe was elected president. The opposition said the vote was rigged.
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