By New Dawn
Representative Josiah Marvin Cole of Electoral District #3 has officially joined the Citizens Movement for Change (CMC).
By: Edwin N. Khakie
Gbarnga, Bong County 鈥 July 7, 2025: His defection was confirmed at a well-attended ceremony held on Saturday in Gbarnga, the county鈥檚 capital.
During the event, CMC Political Leader Musa Hassan Bility welcomed Rep. Cole into the party and immediately appointed him as National Vice-Chair for Operations, a key leadership role that positions Cole at the center of the party鈥檚 organizational and strategic agenda heading into the 2027 elections.
Speaking at the ceremony, Bility praised Cole鈥檚 political acumen and his track record of mobilization, both in the Legislature and at the grassroots level.
鈥淲e are building a movement of serious-minded leaders who are ready to change Liberia,鈥 Bility said. 鈥淗onorable Cole brings the kind of energy, discipline, and structure this party needs. His experience in government and connection with the people make him a powerful asset.鈥
Representative Cole, who has long been regarded as one of Bong County鈥檚 most influential and outspoken lawmakers, said his decision to join the CMC was driven by a desire to be part of a 鈥減rogressive force that puts the people first.鈥
鈥淭oday marks a new chapter not just for me, but for the people I represent,鈥 Cole declared. 鈥淚 believe in the CMC鈥檚 vision for a new Liberia, and I鈥檓 committed to using this platform to deliver real change.鈥
Cole鈥檚 entry into the Citizens Movement for Change marks a significant moment for the relatively young political party, which has been steadily gaining traction under Bility鈥檚 leadership. It also signals a major shift in Bong County鈥檚 political landscape, where Cole has built a loyal support base since winning the District #3 seat.
Prior to this announcement, Cole was widely speculated to be considering a move, following months of political tension with his former allies. His move to CMC is expected to trigger realignments both within Bong and among other political actors who may now see the party as a credible force.
Some citizens of Bong County say Cole鈥檚 decision could boost the CMC鈥檚 profile nationally, especially as the party prepares to field candidates in upcoming by-elections in Nimba County and local government contests.
The event in Gbarnga drew a diverse crowd, including CMC partisans, local leaders, students, youth groups, and community members, many of whom expressed enthusiasm about what Cole鈥檚 move could mean for the county and the country.
鈥淭his is not just politics as usual,鈥 one attendee remarked. 鈥淭his is about building something new, and Honorable Cole is the kind of leader who can help us do that.鈥
With his new role as National Vice-Chair for Operations, Cole is expected to lead CMC鈥檚 efforts to organize across the 15 counties, recruit candidates, and coordinate outreach as the party expands its national footprint. -Edited by Othello B. Garblah.