Liberian President George Weah concedes poll defeat to Joseph Boakai
Outcome ends a presidency marred by allegations of corruption
20 November 2023 - 15:21
byAlphonso Toweh
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Joseph Boakai is set to become Liberia’s president after George Weah conceded election defeat. File picture: REUTERS/CARIELLE DOE.
Monrovia —Liberia President George Weah has conceded election defeat to opposition leader Joseph Boakai after a tight race, ending a presidency marred by graft allegations but helping to ensure a smooth transition of power in the once volatile African nation.
Boakai, 78, a former vice-president who lost to Weah in the 2017 election, led with 50.9% of the vote over Weah’s 49.1%, with nearly all the votes counted, the country’s elections commission said.
The result marks a stark turnaround from 2017, when global football legend Weah, buoyed by a wave of hope, trounced Boakai with 62% of the vote. Many have since grown disillusioned with the lack of progress. Poverty, unemployment, food insecurity and poor electricity supply persist.
“A few moments ago, I spoke with president-elect Joseph Boakai to congratulate him on his victory,” Weah said on national radio. “I urge you to follow my example and accept the results of the elections.”
Weah’s concession paves the way for Liberia’s second democratic transfer of power in over seven decades. The first was when Weah swept to power six years ago.
His comments stood out in West and Central Africa where there have been eight military coups in three years, eroding faith in democratic elections. When elections do go ahead in the region, accusations of fraud abound and results are frequently contested in court. Instead, Boakai supporters in the capital Monrovia danced, shouted and honked car horns in the rain after the near-final results were announced.
“We have a job ahead of us to do and I’m excited that the citizens have given us approval,” Boakai said after the results were announced. “First and foremost, we want to have a message of peace and reconciliation.”
Boakai, a softly-spoken career politician, emerged neck and neck with Weah in the first round of voting in October but below the 50% needed to secure an outright victory, leading to Tuesday’s run-off.
Liberia is struggling to recover from two civil wars that killed more than 250,000 people from 1989-2003, and from a 2013-2016 Ebola epidemic that killed thousands. Many felt that Weah did not follow through on promises to alleviate poverty and improve the country's crumbling infrastructure.
Arkoi Sarkor said she supported Boakai because she had not able to get a job during Weah’s term.
“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,” she said. “Some things that were not done, that were not correct, he will put it in place, I am hopeful of that.”
Support our award-winning journalism. The Premium package (digital only) is R30 for the first month and thereafter you pay R129 p/m now ad-free for all subscribers.
Liberian President George Weah concedes poll defeat to Joseph Boakai
Outcome ends a presidency marred by allegations of corruption
Monrovia —Liberia President George Weah has conceded election defeat to opposition leader Joseph Boakai after a tight race, ending a presidency marred by graft allegations but helping to ensure a smooth transition of power in the once volatile African nation.
Boakai, 78, a former vice-president who lost to Weah in the 2017 election, led with 50.9% of the vote over Weah’s 49.1%, with nearly all the votes counted, the country’s elections commission said.
The result marks a stark turnaround from 2017, when global football legend Weah, buoyed by a wave of hope, trounced Boakai with 62% of the vote. Many have since grown disillusioned with the lack of progress. Poverty, unemployment, food insecurity and poor electricity supply persist.
“A few moments ago, I spoke with president-elect Joseph Boakai to congratulate him on his victory,” Weah said on national radio. “I urge you to follow my example and accept the results of the elections.”
Weah’s concession paves the way for Liberia’s second democratic transfer of power in over seven decades. The first was when Weah swept to power six years ago.
His comments stood out in West and Central Africa where there have been eight military coups in three years, eroding faith in democratic elections. When elections do go ahead in the region, accusations of fraud abound and results are frequently contested in court. Instead, Boakai supporters in the capital Monrovia danced, shouted and honked car horns in the rain after the near-final results were announced.
“We have a job ahead of us to do and I’m excited that the citizens have given us approval,” Boakai said after the results were announced. “First and foremost, we want to have a message of peace and reconciliation.”
Boakai, a softly-spoken career politician, emerged neck and neck with Weah in the first round of voting in October but below the 50% needed to secure an outright victory, leading to Tuesday’s run-off.
Liberia is struggling to recover from two civil wars that killed more than 250,000 people from 1989-2003, and from a 2013-2016 Ebola epidemic that killed thousands. Many felt that Weah did not follow through on promises to alleviate poverty and improve the country's crumbling infrastructure.
Arkoi Sarkor said she supported Boakai because she had not able to get a job during Weah’s term.
“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,” she said. “Some things that were not done, that were not correct, he will put it in place, I am hopeful of that.”
Reuters
Nigerian ex-central bank chief remanded in custody pending bail hearing
Zimbabwe horticulture sector sees green shoots despite challenges
AfDB files complaint over assault and detention of Ethiopia staff
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Most Read
Related Articles
Liberia’s quiet man Joseph Boakai set for top job after George Weah concedes
Nigerian ex-central bank chief remanded in custody pending bail hearing
Zimbabwe horticulture sector sees green shoots despite challenges
Published by Arena Holdings and distributed with the Financial Mail on the last Thursday of every month except December and January.