Liberians took to the polls in a critical presidential election, witnessing George Weah, the former football legend and current president, contending for a second term against former Deputy President, Joseph Boakai.
The 57-year-old Weah’s tenure has been controversial, with critics, including Boakai, asserting that Liberia has regressed under his leadership. Despite the criticism, Weah maintains that he has maintained stability in the country and has elevated the education sector. On the other side, 78-year-old Boakai has campaigned under the slogan “Rescue”, suggesting a need for a significant change in the nation’s trajectory.
This election holds a particular significance as it’s the inaugural voting experience for a generation of Liberians born after the brutal civil war that concluded two decades ago, resulting in an estimated quarter-million casualties.
Many Liberians voice their demand for a war crimes court to hold responsible those behind the tragic conflict. They believe that neglecting this essential aspect has perpetuated a culture where impunity thrives. While Weah has shied away from such measures, Boakai, along with other notable candidates like businessman Alexander Cummings and human rights lawyer Tiawan Gongloe, has vowed to establish this court if elected.
The election saw approximately 2.4 million registered voters, with 19 candidates, including two women, challenging Weah. The president, once FIFA’s World Player of the Year in 1995, transitioned to politics post his soccer career. He secured a substantial 61% of votes in a run-off during the 2017 elections, defeating Boakai. Analysts speculate that this might be the last presidential attempt for Boakai, who has faced criticism in some quarters and even earned the nickname “Sleepy Joe”.
Nevertheless, Boakai has consistently positioned himself as an honest and humble candidate, promising improvements in infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, and stronger measures against corruption. On the contrary, Weah brushes off criticism, emphasizing the strides he made in his initial term, such as introducing free university education. He pledges further economic reforms, focusing on job creation, if re-elected.
The economic scenario in Liberia presents a mixed bag. The World Bank reported a growth rate of almost 5% last year. Yet, according to the UN development agency, over half of Liberia’s population struggles with poverty, with another significant portion vulnerable to it. A substantial 60% of Liberians are under 25, underscoring the importance of addressing economic and developmental challenges.
This election, thus, stands as a crossroads moment for Liberia, determining its trajectory for the foreseeable future.
