John Adoyi
In a surprising turn of events, President of Liberia, George Weah has accepted defeat in his bid for a second term following the release of the November 14th Run-off election results that show his opponent, former Vice-President Joseph Boakai in the lead with 99 Percent of results in.
The National Elections Commission (NEC) announced the results on Friday, revealing that Mr. Boakai who President Weah easily defeated in the 2017 run-off, secured the lead with a margin of 28,434 votes (1.78%).
According to the NEC, President Weah garnered 785,778 votes (49.11%), while Mr.. Boakai garnered 814,212 votes (50.89%).
“My Fellow Liberians, Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen. I stand before you tonight with a grateful heart, but with the utmost respect for the democratic process that has defined our nation,” President Weah said in the beginning of his acceptance speech.
Going further, President Weah noted that Mr. Boakai is in a lead that he cannot “surpass,” therefore, “The Liberian people have spoken, and we have heard their voice.”
“I urge you to follow my example and accept the results of the elections. Go home tonight with the knowledge that our ideals and vision for Liberia remain strong,” he admonished, adding that he will try again in 2029.
The 57-year old former footballer came into office after he pledged to combat corruption and revamp the economy. However, six years down the line, Liberians were not happy that he (President Weah) did not live up to expectation hence his defeat.
Throughout his quest for the top job, Boakai who served as Vice-President for 12 years under former President Ellen Sirleaf, pledged to rescue Liberia from what he claimed was a Weah administration marked by mismanagement and corruption.
Mr. Boakai, 78 told the BBC that his presidency will focus on fighting corruption, boosting agricultural production, bringing down the cost of food and improving the country’s roads.
President Weah commended the electoral process for its transparency and expressed his commitment to a peaceful transition of power and he urged everyone to place Liberia above their parties and work for the good of the country.
“This is a time for graciousness in defeat, a time to place our country above party, and patriotism above personal interest. I remain your President until the handover of power, and I will continue to work for the good of Liberia. Let us heal the divisions caused by the campaign and come together as One Nation and One United People,” he said.
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