Liberia: President George Weah concedes defeat after a tight runoff against Joseph Boakai

ANI
19 Nov 2023, 02:25 GMT+10

Monrovia [Liberia], November 19 (ANI): Liberia's President, George Weah, has conceded his defeat to opposition candidate Joseph Boakai after a closely contested run-off election, CNN reported.

Following the release of provisional results by the National Elections Commission (NEC), Weah, the former soccer star, gave a call to Boakai. The electoral commission reported that Boakai, a 78-year-old former vice president of Liberia, secured 51 per cent of the votes with nearly all ballots counted.

In an address to his country, Weah said, "The results announced tonight, though not final, indicate that Ambassador Joseph N. Boakai is in a lead that we cannot surpass. Therefore, a few minutes ago, I spoke with President-elect Joseph N. Boakai to congratulate him on his victory. Tonight, as we acknowledge the results, let us also recognise that the true winners of these elections are the people of Liberia."Weah, who assumed office in 2018, will step down in January, according to CNN.

The run-off became necessary when Weah won the October poll by a narrow margin of 7,000 votes over Boakai but fell short of the required 50 per cent threshold for an outright victory.

The outgoing president sought re-election for a second six-year term, amid a first tenure marked by corruption scandals and accusations of mismanagement. Despite the challenges, Weah has received praise for promptly conceding, ensuring a peaceful transfer of power--a crucial achievement forLiberia's fragile democracy, has faced civil war and the assassination of previous leaders.

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu was among the early well-wishers, congratulating the President-elect while commending Weah's " terling example, undiluted patriotism, and statesmanship. He has defied the stereotype that peaceful transitions of power are untenable in West Africa," according to a statement from Nigeria's presidency, CNN reported. (ANI)

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Sierra Leone Times.

More Information

null in null

Business

Section

Waymo gears up for driverless expansion in Washington, D.C.

Waymo aims for 2026 self-driving ride-hailing launch in D.C.

WASHINGTON, D.C.: Alphabet's self-driving division Waymo is preparing to expand its driverless ride-hailing footprint to the heart...

Regulatory win in India paves way for Starlink's expansion

For Musk's Starlink, India approval could unlock emerging markets

BENGALURU, India: A major regulatory breakthrough in India could mark a turning point for Starlink, Elon Musk's satellite internet...

U.S. stocks plummet on Trump trade policies, techs worst hit

Dow Jones tumbles 716 points as Trump's trade war escalates

NEW YORK, New York - Renewed fears about inflation, and U.S. Donald Trump's trade policies say American markets take a deep dive Friday....

Segway recalls 220,000 scooters over fall hazard

Segway recalls 220,000 scooters after reporting 20 injuries

NEW YORK CITY, New York: Segway is recalling about 220,000 scooters in the U.S. because of a safety issue that can cause riders to...

China reassures Apple CEO Tim Cook amid geopolitical tensions

Apple welcome to expand investment, Chinese minister tells Tim Cook

BEIJING, China: As global tech firms navigate rising geopolitical tensions, China has extended a warm signal to Apple, one of its most...

Automakers lead U.S. stock markets lower after tariff hit

Wall Street rattled by 25% tariff on all cars made outside U.S.

NEW YORK, New York - Shares in automakers fell sharply Thursday after U.S.President Donald Trump imposed a 25 percent tariff on all...

Africa

Section