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Weah Concedes Defeat to Boakai
In a momentous turn of events, Liberia’s incumbent President, George Weah, on Saturday, November 18, 2023, gracefully conceded defeat to his formidable opponent, Joseph Boakai, in a closely contested presidential run-off election.
With the nation holding its breath, Weah, a former soccer star turned political leader, extended his heartfelt congratulations to Boakai, signaling a peaceful and democratic transfer of power in a region often marred by political turmoil.
The nail-biting election saw Boakai, a 78-year-old former vice president, garner a narrow victory over Weah, securing 51 percent of the votes. This outcome marked a remarkable turn of events since their previous encounter in the 2017 election, where Weah emerged victorious with a landslide victory.
Weah, in a live radio address to the nation, acknowledged the provisional results and commended the Liberian people for their active participation in the democratic process. He emphasized that despite not having official results, the current trend indicated Boakai had an insurmountable lead, which he graciously accepted.
Tonight, as we acknowledge the results, let us also recognize that the true winners of these elections are the people of Liberia. Through your peaceful and orderly exercise of your constitutional right to vote, you have once again demonstrated your commitment to the democratic principles that bind us together as a nation,
-Liberia President and former football star, George Weah.
Despite the challenges faced during his first term, Weah received praise for conceding swiftly, which signaled his commitment to democratic principles and a peaceful transition of power. This act of statesmanship stands as a beacon of hope in a region grappling with instability and political unrest.
Meanwhile, President-elect Boakai expressed his gratitude to the Liberian people for their trust and reaffirmed his dedication to serving the nation with integrity and purpose.
He pledged to address the country’s pressing issues, including economic development, poverty reduction, and social justice.
The international community applauded Liberia’s commitment to democratic principles, with Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu commending Weah’s “sterling example” and “undiluted patriotism.” This peaceful transition of power serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the Liberian people and their unwavering belief in democracy.
Boakai swearing in is scheduled for January 2024.
Here is Weah’s full concession speech
MY FELLOW LIBERIANS, DISTINGUISHED LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
I stand before you tonight with a heavy heart, but with the utmost respect for the democratic process that has defined our nation. As your President and the leader of the Coalition for Democratic Change, I want to address you on the outcome of the run-off elections held on November 14, 2023.
The results announced tonight, though not final, indicate that Ambassador Joseph N. Boakai is in a lead that is insurmountable. A few moments ago, I spoke with President-elect Joseph N. Boakai to congratulate him on his victory and to offer my sincere commitment to working with him for the betterment of our beloved Liberia.
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.
Tonight, as we acknowledge the results, let us also recognize that the true winners of these elections are the people of Liberia. Through your peaceful and orderly exercise of your constitutional right to vote, you have once again demonstrated your commitment to the democratic principles that bind us together as a nation.
Under my leadership, these elections were organized with a promise to the Liberian people – a promise of fairness, transparency, and credibility. I am proud to say that, for the most part, we have fulfilled that promise. The Liberian people have spoken, and their choice will be honored and obeyed.
At this juncture, I would like to congratulate the National Elections Commission for a job well done. You have earned the respect of all Liberians, our foreign partners, international observers, and the world at large for completing this difficult task to the satisfaction of all stakeholders, including the contesting parties.
However, the closeness of the results reveals a deep division within our country. As we transition to the new Boakai administration, we must be vigilant to the dangers of division and work together to find common ground. Now, more than ever, unity is paramount for the love of Mama Liberia.
To the members of the Mighty Coalition for Democratic Change, fellow partisans, CDCians, Weahcians, auxiliaries, first-time voters, campaign managers, and party leaders, I understand that this is not the outcome we desired. Although we did not emerge victorious, your hard work and support have been the backbone of our campaign, and for that, I am deeply grateful.
I urge you to follow my example and accept the results of the elections. Go home tonight with the knowledge that our ideals and vision for Liberia remain strong. We are a young movement, and our time will come again. Tomorrow, resume your daily activities in a normal way, and come and join me at our party headquarters to reflect on our journey and plan for our return to political leadership in 2029.
MY FELLOW LIBERIANS, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN:
Tonight, the CDC has lost the election, but Liberia has won. This is a time for graciousness in defeat, a time to place our country above party, and patriotism above personal interest. I remain your President until the handover of power, and I will continue to work for the good of Liberia. Let us heal the divisions caused by the campaign and come together as One Nation and One United People.
May God bless Liberia, and may we continue to strive for a brighter future together.
Thank you, and good night.
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