Liberia’s President George Weah gracefully acknowledged his electoral defeat to opposition leader Joseph Boakai on Friday, concluding a presidency marked by corruption allegations. Despite the tight race, this concession ensures a smooth transition of power in the historically volatile African nation.
Joseph Boakai, a 78-year-old former vice president who previously lost to Weah in the 2017 election, secured victory with 50.9% of the vote, while Weah trailed with 49.1%, as reported by the country’s elections commission, with nearly all votes counted.
This outcome starkly contrasts with the 2017 election when global soccer legend Weah, riding a wave of hope, won with 62% of the vote against Boakai. However, disillusionment has grown since then due to the perceived lack of progress on issues such as poverty, unemployment, food insecurity, and inadequate electricity supply.
In gracious acknowledgment of his defeat, Mr. Weah commenced his brief address by expressing profound respect for the democratic process that characterizes their nation. He noted that he had already conversed with Mr. Boakai, whom he referred to as the “president-elect.”
Speaking on national radio, Weah stated, “A few moments ago, I spoke with president-elect Joseph Boakai to congratulate him on his victory. I urge you to follow my example and accept the results of the elections.” This concession sets the stage for Liberia’s second democratic transfer of power in over seven decades, with the first occurring when Weah assumed office six years ago.
The electoral commission had earlier disclosed that Mr. Boakai, a seasoned 78-year-old politician, secured 50.89% of the votes, while President Weah obtained 49.11%.
Recognizing the tightness of the competition, the president commented on the “deep division within our country” and urged Liberians to collaborate in seeking common ground. He emphasized the paramount importance of unity for the well-being of Liberia, referring to it as “mama Liberia.”
Weah’s concession is noteworthy in the context of West and Central Africa, where recent years have seen eight military coups, eroding confidence in democratic elections. Boakai’s supporters in the capital, Monrovia, celebrated with dancing and honking car horns in the rain upon hearing the near-final results.
“I’m excited that the citizens have given us approval,” said Boakai, a softly-spoken career politician, shortly after the results were announced. “First and foremost, we want to have a message of peace and reconciliation.”
The second-round showdown between Mr. Boakai and Mr. Weah was initiated as neither contender secured over 50% of the vote in the initial round held last month, which featured 18 other candidates. In that preliminary vote, the president secured the majority but was only 7,000 votes ahead of Mr. Boakai. This election marked Liberia’s closest presidential competition since the Civil War.
Mr. Boakai’s campaign primarily emphasised the necessity of rescuing the nation from what he labelled as “mismanagement” by Mr. Weah’s administration. In response, the president refuted Mr. Boakai’s claims, asserting that his administration had achieved significant milestones, including the introduction of free tuition for university students.
The recently concluded election represents the fourth presidential poll since the conclusion of the civil war. Observers from the regional bloc, Ecowas, characterised the run-off as largely peaceful, as reported by AFP news agency.
Liberia, still grappling with the aftermath of two civil wars that claimed over 250,000 lives between 1989 and 2003, as well as a 2013–16 Ebola epidemic, faces numerous challenges. Many citizens believe Weah failed to fulfil promises to alleviate poverty and enhance the country’s crumbling infrastructure.
Arkoi Sarkor, a 43-year-old supporter of Boakai, speaking to Reuters, expressed hope for positive change: “I am very hopeful because I know Boakai is… a man of principles, and I know when he gets in here, he is going to bring changes. Some things that were not done, that were not correct, he will put it in place; I am hopeful of that,” she said.
