The Liberian Elections Commission reported on Thursday that Joseph Boakai, a prominent opposition leader, had a slight edge in the run-off election, receiving 50.6% of the vote while sitting President George Weah was just behind with 49.4% after the results from around 87% of polling stations had been tallied.
Boakai and Weah were tied near the top when the preliminary voting was conducted in October, yet neither obtained the required 50% majority, thus necessitating a second electoral round held on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.
The election has been widely seen as a test of support for former soccer star Weah, 57, who was criticised in his first term by the opposition and Liberia’s international partners for not doing enough to tackle corruption.
Boakai, aged 78, has been emphasizing the necessity to save the nation from his assessment of the mismanagement done by President Weah’s government, a result of his defeat in the 2017 election.
It is likely a new leader will be announced in the coming days if Boakai maintains the lead.
