MONROVIA, LIBERIA — Nov. 19, 2023

Political Joseph Boakai was on Monday declared the winner of Liberia’s presidential election, beating incumbent George Weah, electoral authorities said after completing the ballot count.

However, Joseph Boakai was elected president of Liberia with 50.64% of the vote, beating President George Weah who got 49.36%, according to final results announced by the election commission on Monday.

Boakai won with 50.64 percent of the vote, against 49.36 percent of the vote for former international football star Weah, National Electoral Commission president Davidetta Browne Lansanah told reporters.

Boakai won by a margin of just 20,567 votes.

Weah had already conceded the election on Friday evening, based on the results of more than 99.98 percent of polling stations.

The outgoing president won praise from abroad on Monday for conceding and promoting a non-violent transition in a region marred by coups.

“Liberians have once again demonstrated that democracy is alive in the ECOWAS region and that change is possible through peaceful means,” the Economic Community of West African States said in a statement.

But hours after Boakai’s victory was announced, a car plowed into a crowd of supporters outside his party’s headquarters, injuring at least 16 people, police said. His party said at least 10 people were killed in the incident.

Joseph Boakai is expected to be inauguration in January 2024. This marks a significant shift in Liberian politics and raises many questions about the country’s future direction.

Boakai’s experience

Joseph Boakai served as the former vice president for twelve years under Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Boakai is seen as an experienced leader with a deep understanding of Liberia’s challenges. He campaigned on promises to tackle corruption, improve the economy, and create jobs.

Weah Led Government

Weah, a former international soccer star, was elected with high hopes in 2018, but his first term was marred by allegations of corruption and economic mismanagement. His defeat raises questions about his ability to deliver on his promises.

Challenges ahead

Boakai faces a number of challenges, including a struggling economy, high unemployment, and widespread poverty. He will also need to address issues of corruption and rebuild trust in the government.