Liberian President George Weah has called his challenger in the presidential race, Joseph Boakai, to congratulate him on his victory.
In an address to the nation he said “the Liberian people have spoken and we have heard their voice.
President George Weah graciously accepted defeat following the National Elections Commission’s release of run-off election results on Friday.
According to the NEC, President Weah garnered 785,778 votes (49.11%), while Ambassador Boakai secured 814,212 votes (50.89%), resulting in a 28,434-vote difference (1.78%).
With more than 40 years of public sector experience, President-elect Boakai comes to the office having served as Vice President for 12 years under outgoing President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
Boakai promised during his campaign to extricate Liberia from what he claimed was a corrupt and mismanaged Weah regime.
Meanwhile, former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has congratulated Liberian President-elect Joseph Boakai on his victory.
The former Nigerian President said having led the West African Elders Forum (WAEF) Mediation Mission to both the October 10, 2023 general elections and the November 14, 2023 Presidential run-off poll in Liberia, he was deeply pleased with the successful outcome of the democratic process and look forward to a peaceful transition in January, 2024.
He urged the new Liberian President-elect to be magnanimous in victory and seek to continue the efforts to unite and advance his country.
Goodluck Jonathan also appreciated outgoing President His Excellency George Weah for conceding defeat and who also congratulated his opponent even ahead of the official declaration of the final result by the National Election Commission of Liberia.
According to him, President Weah has exhibited an exemplary display of statesmanship and commitment to the peace and progress of his country and for this, democracy gains and the ECOWAS sub-region is better for it.
