President George Weah conceded defeat in Liberia’s election, which was closely contested, after falling short of garnering 50% of votes cast.
The former football star, in his address to the nation, conceded that he has been defeated by former vice President, Mr Joseph Boakai, a 78-year-old veteran politician.
Even before the final results of the highly contested election were announced, the 57-year old former balon d’Or winner accepted that Liberians have made independent decision, which he may not interfere with.
“The results announced tonight, though not final, indicate that Ambassador Joseph N. Boakai is in a lead that is insurmountable. A few moments ago, I spoke with President-elect Joseph N. Boakai to congratulate him on his victory and to offer my sincere commitment to working with him for the betterment of our beloved Liberia.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to President-elect Boakai, his supporters, and his campaign team. May his presidency be marked by success for all Liberians, and may our nation prosper under his leadership,” said the outgoing President.
Mr. Boakai, who had served as Liberia’s vice president for 12 years under the former president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, defeated Mr. Weah by a razor-thin margin.
The country’s national election commission stopped short of declaring a winner Liberia’s election on Friday afternoon, but announced that with more than 99 percent of the ballots counted, Mr. Boakai held 50.89 percent of the votes, and Mr. Weah 49.11 percent. It was the nation’s tightest election in two decades, and a rematch of the election in 2017, when Mr. Weah handily beat Mr. Boakai.
Mr. Weah said in a radio address broadcast late on Friday evening that while his party had lost the election to the former vice President, Liberia has won. He had had also promised to work with the incoming leader.
