Liberia’s opposition leader Joseph Boakai has won the presidential run-off election, defeating incumbent George Weah in a close and peaceful contest. Boakai secured 50.9% of the vote, while Weah got 49.1%, according to the National Elections Commission (NEC).
Boakai, a former vice president who lost to Weah in the 2017 election, thanked his supporters and called for national unity and reconciliation. He also praised Weah for conceding defeat and respecting the will of the people.
Weah, a former soccer star who became president in 2018, congratulated Boakai on his victory and urged his followers to accept the results. He said he was proud of his achievements in office and pledged to work with the incoming administration for a smooth transition.
The run-off election was held on November 14, after none of the 19 candidates in the first round on October 10 obtained more than 50% of the vote. Weah narrowly led the first round with 43.8%, followed by Boakai with 43.5%.
The election was seen as a test of Liberia’s democracy, which emerged from two civil wars and an Ebola outbreak in the past three decades. The country also faced economic challenges, such as high poverty, unemployment, inflation, and debt.
The international community welcomed the peaceful and credible conduct of the election and commended the NEC for its professionalism. The European Union, the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States, and the United Nations all issued statements congratulating Boakai and Weah and urging them to work together for the benefit of the Liberian people.
Boakai, 78, is a veteran politician who served as vice president under former president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first elected female leader. He has promised to create jobs, fight corruption, improve education, and attract foreign investment. He has also vowed to reform the justice system and ensure access to justice for all citizens.
Boakai will be sworn in as Liberia’s 25th president on January 18, 2024. He will face major challenges in addressing the country’s social and economic problems, as well as the impact of the Russian invasion of Ukraine on global stability and trade. However, he has also expressed optimism and confidence in Liberia’s potential and future.
