Liberia President George Weah has conceded defeat in the recent run off election to opposition leader Joseph Boakai.
The closely contested race concluded with Boakai securing 50.9% of the vote, while Weah received 49.1%, according to the country’s elections commission.
Weah’s concession marks a significant turnaround from the 2017 election, where he won with 62% of the vote. However, many Liberians have become disillusioned with the lack of progress during his presidency, as issues such as poverty, unemployment, food insecurity, and inadequate electricity supply persist.
In a public statement, Weah congratulated Boakai on his victory and urged the citizens to accept the election results.
This smooth transition of power will be Liberia’s second democratic transfer in over seven decades, with Weah’s own victory marking the first in six years.
Weah’s concession is notable in a region, West and Central Africa, where military coups and accusations of election fraud are common. The President’s willingness to accept the results sets a positive example for other leaders in the area.
Meanwhile, supporters of Boakai in the capital city of Monrovia celebrated with dancing, shouting, and honking car horns in the rain as the near-final results were declared. Boakai after the announcement, emphasized the importance of peace and reconciliation in the nation going forward.
Liberia, which endured two civil wars from 1989 to 2003, causing the deaths of over 250,000 people, is still grappling with the effects of the wars and a devastating Ebola epidemic from 2013 to 2016. As Weah’s presidency ends, many Liberians hope that Boakai will address the lingering issues of poverty, infrastructure, and job creation that have remained unaddressed.
Arkoi Sarkor, a supporter of Boakai, expressed hope for positive change under the new leader, citing her personal struggles to find employment during Weah’s tenure.
She believes that Boakai, a man of principles, will prioritize correcting past mistakes and implementing necessary changes.
Liberia now looks toward the future with optimism, as Boakai assumes the presidency and strives to lead the nation towards stability, development, and prosperity.
By Vincent Kubi