The just-concluded presidential election in Liberia has resulted in a tight race between incumbent President George Weah and his main rival Joseph Boakai. With almost all votes counted, Weah currently holds a slim lead over Boakai, with 43.8% of the vote compared to Boakai’s 43.5%. However, since neither candidate has secured the necessary 50% majority, a run-off election will be held. This election is significant for Liberia, as it marks the closest presidential race since the end of the civil war two decades ago.
The provisional results show a marginal difference of just 5,456 votes between the two candidates. The election commission has announced that voting will be repeated in certain areas where there were reports of ballot tampering. This underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring a fair and transparent outcome.
Both Weah and Boakai are likely to seek the endorsement of the other 18 presidential candidates who did not receive more than 3% of the vote. This highlights the significance of every single vote in the run-off election. The candidate who emerges as the front-runner in the first round will have the advantage of gaining momentum and rallying support from the other candidates.
Weah, a former international football star, is seeking a second term as president. In the previous election held in 2017, he won the run-off with 61.5% of the vote against Boakai’s 38.5%. However, Boakai received more votes than Weah in the first round of the current election. This suggests a shift in public sentiment and makes the outcome of the run-off more uncertain.
Analysts predict that this might be Boakai’s last attempt at the presidency, as he is 78 years old. He previously served as vice-president under President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who received international acclaim for her efforts to restore peace and stability in Liberia after the devastating civil war. Boakai campaigned on the platform of “Rescue,” arguing that the country suffered during Weah’s first term. Weah, on the other hand, claims to have made significant progress during his tenure, including the introduction of free tuition for university students.
The run-off election is scheduled for 7 November after the announcement of the official results. This crucial stage of the election will determine the next president of Liberia and have a lasting impact on the country’s political landscape. The future direction of Liberia, its economy, and its international relations will be shaped by the outcome of this run-off.
As citizens and observers, it is imperative to closely monitor the electoral process to ensure transparency and fairness. Any reports of irregularities or tampering should be immediately reported to the relevant authorities. Additionally, it is vital for all eligible voters to exercise their democratic right and participate in the run-off election. Every vote counts, and the decision made by the Liberian people will shape the nation’s future for the next several years.
