By Ken Afor
The European Union (EU) has praised Liberian President George Weah for accepting his loss on Friday to Joseph Boakai in the presidential run-off elections.
Boakai was observed by the Electoral Commission to have brought in 50.89% of the votes cast while Weah had 49.11% of the votes.
The European Union recognized the progress as a remarkable step forward in the advancement of democracy in Liberia, an African nation which had been torn apart by civil strife.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to President-elect Boakai, his supporters, and his campaign team. May his presidency be marked by success for all Liberians, and may our nation prosper under his leadership,” Weah said, after the final results were declared.
The current president urged his supporters and devoted members of his party to observe the result with graciousness and act in ways that prioritize the interest of the nation over partisanship, and patriotism over the individual.
“I remain your President until the handover of power, and I will continue to work for the good of Liberia,” Weah added.
Josep Borrell Fontelles, the Vice President of the EU Commission, praised the president for his democratic remarks.
“The people of Liberia have elected their new President.
“The EU applauds President Weah for conceding defeat and congratulates Joseph Boakai.
“Liberia shows its remarkable attachment to democracy, less than twenty years after a civil war that torn the country apart,” Fontelles wrote via his official X page.
It would be recalled, Friday’s conclusion of the poll started back in October when 0.39 percentage points separated both candidates. President Weah had 43.83% and Boakai (43.44%).
The newly elected president, Boakai can now focus on repositioning the country after decades of civil war.
