The CDC-USA Reformers have released a strong condemnation of the recent event held in Des Moines, Iowa, from September 27-29, 2024, referring to it as the “Iowa Fiasco.” They allege that this event, branded by former Chairman Constance Duopu as the 9th Bi-Annual National Convention of CDC-USA, violated multiple provisions of the party’s constitution, and was conducted in a manner that undermined the democratic values of the organization.
Key Irregularities and Violations
The Reformers outlined several irregularities that delegitimize the event, including the absence of quorum and the lack of participation from the Convention Organizing Chairman. Only three out of 17 state chairmen were present, failing to meet the required participation for a valid convention. Additionally, the voting process was manipulated, and no convention committee was properly elected, rendering the event constitutionally void. The delegation and membership listings, which are mandatorily part of organizing conventions, were not published in advance. Moreover, the election of the commission chairman by the expired leadership was conducted without due authority.
The Reformers cited key articles from the CDC-USA constitution to underline these violations. According to Article 17, Section 2, conventions must be held every two years to elect officers for a two-year term, but the expired leadership under Duopu continued to act beyond their term without holding proper elections. Article 23, Amendments, states that any amendments to the constitution, such as extending terms, must be passed with a two-thirds majority, a process that was not followed.
Criticism of “Bogus” New Leadership’s Role
The criticism was further extended to Yahaya Talata Sheriff, who was recently elected as the new Chairman of CDC-USA during this disputed convention. The Reformers questioned whether Sheriff had followed the constitutionally required procedures before representing Pennsylvania as a delegate. According to them, the extension of term limits from two to four years was done unconstitutionally, as outlined in Article 12, Section 1b, which requires NEC reports and the Standard Bearer’s address during conventions, neither of which were provided in Iowa.
The Reformers emphasize that the disregard for constitutional provisions has severely undermined the party’s legitimacy. They argue that the Des Moines event represents a blatant disregard for democratic processes, and they are calling on all members of CDC-USA to unite in defense of the constitution and restore order within the party. The controversy surrounding the event has sparked broader discussions within CDC-USA regarding leadership transparency, internal governance, and adherence to the rule of law.
Fresh Elections is the Remedy
The CDC-USA Reformers are committed to correcting these constitutional violations and restoring transparency and democratic principles. They call for fresh elections and a thorough investigation into the irregularities of the Iowa event. The Reformers demand that future actions align with the constitution to maintain the trust and integrity of its members. They how blamed the Acting Chairman of CDC Global, Atty. Janga Kowo for allowing the situation to exacerbate and is now in the media.
Pastor Success A. B. Dennis, a candidate denied by the “bogus convention” committee, stated, “I don’t want to call it a convention, it’s just a gathering… Even a town hall meeting of a chapter of CDC is far better… Chairman Janga Kowo, I’m sorry to say but you are responsible for this.”
The Reformers headed by Pastor Success A. B. Dennis is calling on the Political Leader of the CDC, President George Manneh Weah and the leadership of CDC Global to restore the dignity of the Mighty Congress for Democratic Change through the holding of fresh elections.
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