John AdoyiThe 2023 Presidential election in Liberia is set to end in a run-off as none of the presidential candidates including incumbent President, George Weah and his closest rival, Joseph Boakai was able to gain a majority of the total votes cast to be declared winner.
According to a BBC report, for a candidate to be declared winner of the polls, the candidate is meant to gain more than 50 per cent of total votes cast, however, Weah, the incumbent president is on 43.8 percent while Boakai is on 43.5 Percent of the votes as of Wednesday morning, which means both candidates did not get enough to win a majority, setting the stage for a run-off.
According to reports, 98 percent of results have been announced.
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On October 10, 2023, Liberians went to the polls to elect leaders that would see to the running of the West African country for a tenure of six years. Incumbent President, George Weah of the Congress for Democratic Change party (CDC) was seeking a second term in office. While 18 other Presidential hopefuls including former Vice-President under former President Ellen Sirleaf, Joseph Boakai of the Unity Party, were seeking to unseat him.
President Weah who came into office promising a revamped economy and flourishing education sector did not fulfil his promises, according to critics.
His closest rival, Boakai who lost to Weah six years ago, said he would restore the country’s image, develop infrastructure and improve life for the poorest if elected.
Under Article 83(a) of Liberia’s Constitution, the presidential run-off elections must be held on the second Tuesday following the announcement of the results of the first round.
This election is being held on the 20th anniversary of the end of Liberia’s second civil war.
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