Liberia's opposition leader Boakai clinches victory as Weah concedes election defeat

Liberian President George Weah acknowledged his election defeat to opposition leader Joseph Boakai, concluding a closely contested race.

Boakai, a 78-year-old former vice president who lost to Weah in the 2017 election, secured 50.9 per cent of the vote compared to Weah’s 49.1 per cent, according to the country’s elections commission, with nearly all votes counted.

This outcome contrasts sharply with 2017 when global soccer icon Weah won with 62 per cent of the vote, riding a wave of hope. However, disillusionment grew as progress stalled, with persistent challenges such as poverty, unemployment, food insecurity, and inadequate electricity supply, according to Reuters.

“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 marks Liberia’s second democratic transfer of power in over seven decades, the first being Weah’s ascent to power six years ago. This stands out in a region where democratic elections face skepticism, with military coups and election-related disputes undermining faith in the process.

In the capital Monrovia, Boakai supporters celebrated with dancing and car horns after the near-final results were disclosed. Boakai, a seasoned politician, emphasised a message of peace and reconciliation, stating, “We have a job ahead of us to do, and I’m excited that the citizens have given us approval.”

Liberia, still recovering from two civil wars (1989-2003) and a 2013-2016 Ebola epidemic, struggled with Weah’s unfulfilled promises to tackle poverty and enhance infrastructure.

With inputs from agencies