Liberian United Party and President Johnson-Sirleaf kickoff campaign

Today was another busy day.  I didn’t have any meetings or field notes to keep me busy, but I did have an opportunity to get out in the community.  I visited friends at the Liberian Observer and offered to help a new photographer they just hired.  The young man is excited about making pictures.   

Our assignment today was to photograph Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and her Unity Party as they launched their nationwide campaign, Saturday, September 17, 2011 with a parade to Antoinette Tubman Stadium football stadium in Monrovia, Liberia.   Here are a few photos from the day!

Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and her Unity Party launched their nationwide campaign, Saturday, September 17, 2011, with a parade to the Antoinette Tubman Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia. According to news reports, there were tens of thousands of supporters marching the streets.  (Above) A member of the Liberian National Police (LNP) comforts and tries to cool off a Unity Party supporter who fainted during the rally. Liberian elections are scheduled for October 11, 2011. Photo by: Gabriel B. Tait

Members of the Liberian National Police rush a Unity Party supporter to a waiting ambulance after he was overcome with excitement and fainted as Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and her Unity Party launched their nationwide campaign during a rally at Antoinette Tubman Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia, Saturday, September 17, 2011.   Photo by: Gabriel B. Tait

As the campaign parade moved through the streets of Monrovia, Liberian residents excitedly watched the procession from several floors of an abandoned building.  Liberian elections are scheduled for October 11, 2011. Photo by: Gabriel B. Tait

Members of the Liberian Ladies Brigade dance in support of their candidate at one of the campaign substations.  Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and her Unity Party launched their nationwide campaign, with dancing and cheering in the street from their many supporters. Photo by: Gabriel B. Tait

Celestine G. Sepoe, of Grand Kru leads the parade as President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and her Unity Party launched their nationwide campaign, Saturday, September 17, 2011.  The parade marched nearly six miles through the city and culminated with a rally in Antoinette Tubman Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia. Photo by: Gabriel B. Tait   

Celestine G. Sepoe, of Grand Kru making a fashion statement and show of support in the sun for  President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and her Unity Party.

Signs of support for the Unity Party prevailed in the streets. (Above) A supporter shows her UP spirit with a fashion statement!

A Liberian National Police officer keeps a watchful eye on activities in support of unity.

Liberians view the parade from various vantage points.

Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf waves to the crowd on Tubman Blvd. as she and her Unity Party launch their nationwide campaign, Saturday, September 17, Security was extremely tight for the event to ensure a peaceful event. According to news reports there were tens of thousands supporters marching the streets of Monrovia. 

A sea of people in support of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and her Unity Party march on Lynch Street to the Antoinette Tubman Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia, September 17, 2011.  Photo by: Gabriel B. Tait©

Lost in the midst of her supporters President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and her Unity Party launch their campaign with supporters in Monrovia, Liberia. Supporters made the over six mile walk through the street with their candidate to hear her speech at the culminating rally.

Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and her Unity Party members walk toward the stage to address their supporters during a rally celebrating the launch of their nationwide campaign, Saturday, September 17, 2011.

Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf dances on stage in response to supporters at a rally in the Antoinette Tubman Stadium after she and her Unity Party launched their nationwide campaign, Saturday, September 17,  2011.  Liberian elections are scheduled for October 11, 2011. Photo by: Gabriel B. Tait

Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf rallies the crowd as she and her Unity Party launch their nationwide campaign, Saturday, September 17, 2011, at Antoinette Tubman Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia.  According to news reports, there were tens of thousands supporters marching the streets of Monrovia.  Liberian elections are scheduled for October 11, 2011. Photo by: Gabriel B. Tait

Lusire Teah, 33, of Monrovia is encouraged by the crowd while doing push-ups in support of Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and her Unity Party during a campaign launch parade held on September 17, 2011.  

Jonathan who is only known as "Robot Man" does some moves while showing off his body paintings of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf and her Unity Party as they launch their nationwide campaign, Saturday, September 17, 2011 at Antoinette Tubman Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia.  According to news reports, there were tens of thousands supporters marching the streets of Monrovia.  Liberian elections are scheduled for October 11, 2011.