On Friday, Liberia's President, George Weah, conceded defeat in the election to opposition leader Joseph Boakai after a closely contested race. This marks the end of a presidency overshadowed by corruption allegations but contributes to a smooth transition of power in the once tumultuous African nation.
Boakai, a 78-year-old former vice president who lost to Weah in the 2017 election, secured a lead with 50.9% of the vote, surpassing Weah's 49.1%, according to the country's elections commission with nearly all votes counted. This outcome contrasts sharply with 2017 when the globally renowned soccer legend Weah won with 62 percent of the vote, riding on a wave of optimism. However, disillusionment has since grown due to a lack of progress in addressing issues such as poverty, unemployment, food insecurity, and inadequate electricity supply.
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." Weah's concession sets the stage for Liberia's second democratic transfer of power in over seven decades, the first being when Weah assumed office six years ago.
In a region where military coups have been prevalent, Weah's concession stands out, contrasting with the erosion of faith in democratic elections. Boakai's supporters in the capital Monrovia celebrated with dancing, shouting, and honking car horns in the rain upon the near-final results.
Shortly after the results were announced, Boakai, a soft-spoken career politician, expressed his excitement for the citizen's approval. "First and foremost, we want to have a message of peace and reconciliation," he told Reuters.
The run-off election on Tuesday became necessary after Boakai and Weah emerged neck-and-neck in the first round of voting in October, falling below the 50% threshold required for an outright victory.
Liberia, grappling with the aftermath of two civil wars (1989-2003) that claimed over 250,000 lives and a 2013-16 Ebola epidemic, is in the process of recovery. Many citizens believe that Weah failed to fulfill promises to alleviate poverty and enhance the country's crumbling infrastructure, leading to support for Boakai in hopes of a better future.
"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."