Liberia’s run-off election between George Weah and Joseph Boakai has reached a critical stage, with Boakai currently leading with 50.6% of the vote compared to Weah’s 49.4%. The race is incredibly close, reminiscent of the first round in October where the two candidates were separated by just over 7,000 votes. This tight contest has captured the attention of the nation and the world, as both candidates vie for the presidency.
Weah, a former international football star seeking a second term, comfortably defeated Boakai in the previous run-off in 2017. However, Boakai, who served as vice-president in Ellen Johnson Sirleaf’s government, has significantly surpassed expectations this time around. His campaign has focused on rescuing the nation from what he perceives as mismanagement by Weah’s administration.
Weah, on the other hand, dismisses Boakai’s allegations and highlights his administration’s achievements, including the introduction of free tuition for university students. This election is seen as a critical juncture for Liberia, a country that has struggled to recover from a devastating civil war that ended over two decades ago.
The run-off election has been closely monitored by observers from the regional bloc, Ecowas, who reported that it was largely peaceful. However, there were isolated incidents in the provinces of Lofa, Nimba, Bong, and Montserrado that resulted in injuries and hospitalizations. Despite these challenges, Liberia has demonstrated its commitment to democratic processes.
