Liberian President George Weah has, in a display of true statesmanship, gracefully conceded defeat to opponent Joseph Boakai in the runoff held on Tuesday.
It comes after the country’s elections commission said on Friday that 78-year-old Joseph Boakai, a former vice president, has managed to secure a narrow victory with 50.9 percent of the vote to Weah’s 49.1 percent, with almost all the votes counted.
Acknowledging the democratic process and the will of the Liberian people, President Weah emphasised the importance of prioritising national interests above personal ambitions.
The runoff election, which took place amidst high anticipation and enthusiasm from the citizens, saw a head-to-head battle between President Weah’s party, the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), and the opposition candidate, who emerged as the victor. With the final results sealed, President Weah recognised the outcome as a reflection of the people’s desire for change and pledged his full support for a smooth transition of power.
In a speech on national radio late on Friday, President Weah expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Liberian people for granting him the opportunity to serve as their leader.
Emphasising the importance of unity and cohesion, he urged all Liberians to come together and work towards a brighter future for the nation.
“The results announced tonight, though not final, indicate that… Boakai is in a lead that we cannot surpass,” Weah said .
He said his CDC party “has lost the election, but Liberia has won,” adding, “This is the time for graciousness in defeat”.
President Weah’s words resonated with maturity and grace as he stated, “Now is the time to put our national interest above our personal interest. Liberia is bigger than any one of us. We must rally behind our newly elected leader and support the peaceful transition of power.”
Speaking directly to his supporters, President Weah encouraged them to remain peaceful and respect the democratic process. He acknowledged their unwavering dedication and promised to continue advocating for the interests of the Liberian people, even from outside the presidency.
The electoral process in Liberia has demonstrated the nation’s commitment to democracy, with both candidates engaging in a peaceful and transparent election campaign. Observers from international bodies praised Liberia for conducting the elections in a fair and credible manner, further validating the outcome.
This peaceful transfer of power signifies a significant milestone in Liberia’s democracy, setting an example for other nations across the African continent and beyond. The willingness of President Weah to accept the election results further reinforces the strength of Liberia’s democratic institutions and paves the way for a smooth transition of leadership.
As the new president-elect prepares to take office, Liberians are hopeful that this change will usher in a new era of progress and prosperity. The challenges facing the nation will require unity and collaboration from all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.
President Weah’s concession presents an opportunity for healing and reconciliation, fostering an atmosphere of cooperation that will ultimately benefit all Liberians. It is a reminder that the nation’s interests should always supersede personal ambitions, emphasising the importance of a strong and united Liberia.
