In a formal declaration, election officials in Liberia pronounced Joseph Boakai the winner of the presidential election. This came after incumbent George Weah conceded defeat based on the provisional results of the runoff vote.
According to the National Elections Commission, Boakai emerged victorious with 50.64% of the second round balloting, while Weah secured 49.36%.
“We are at the point where we will prepare for transition, begin the plan for inauguration, as we jump-start the activities of governance,” said Boakai, 78, a former vice president, moments after being officially declared the winner.
Weah, a former international soccer star, received accolades in Liberia and abroad for gracefully conceding defeat instead of challenging the outcome in court.
“This is a time for graciousness in defeat, a time to place our country above party, and patriotism above personal interest,” Weah stated in his concession speech on Friday, adding that his political career is not yet over.
In the 2017 election, Weah handily defeated Boakai in the second round with 60% of the votes. However, his popularity waned due to Liberia’s increasing economic challenges.
