Liberia’s incumbent President and former football star George Weah has conceded election defeat after a spirited fight.
Weah, congratulated his main challenger and former president Joseph Boakai, paving the way for a smooth transition.
“A few moments ago, I spoke with president elect Joseph Boakai to congratulate him on his victory.
I urge you to follow my example and accept the results of the elections,” Weah said on national radio.
Also, a statement from the President’s office confirmed Weah’s position after a second round that was too close to call.
“President Weah called Mr Boakai via telephone following the announcement of provisional results by the National Elections Commission on Friday,” a statement from the president’s office noted.
Also Read: Liberians Head Back to Polls for a Runoff
With almost all the votes counted, Liberia’s electoral body announced that Boakai was leading with 50.9% as Weah trailed with 49.1%.
Further, the National Elections Commission would announce the final results in the coming days.
George Weah 2017 win
The 2023 race rekindled bitter rivalry between the two frontrunners after the former soccer legend floored Boakai in 2017, garnering a resounding 62% of the vote.
Liberians convincingly voted in Weah in 2017, with the hope that he would improve the economy.
However, Weah, dashed their hope, plunging Liberia into long years of disillusionment.
Also Read: Liberian ex-footballer President George Weah’s son sentenced
During his five-year stint, poverty and unemployment soared in Liberia as the country also battled food security and poor electricity supply.
According to the World Bank, the government’s fiscal position worsened in 2022 with the deficit rising to 5.6% of GDP in 2022, up from 2.4% in 2021.
The World Bank further projected that “the economy was to grow by 4.5% in 2023, driven by continued expansion in mining and reforms in pivotal sectors like energy, transportation, trade, and financial services.”
Liberians went to the polls in October 2023 after no candidate failed to garner more than 50% of the vote cast.
In the first round, Weah led with a narrow victory of 43.83% while Boakai had 43.44%.
From Pitch Football to President
Born in 1966, George Weah is a popular name among football fans. He launched his career in Monrovia, playing for a chain of clubs including Invincible Eleven, Mighty Barolle, Bongrange Bonguine, and Young Survivors.
Again, he joined AS Monaco in 1987 at the age of 22 years, where he spent five seasons.
During his stint at AS Monaco, the highlight was winning the French Cup in 1991.
He was a star at the peak of his career, winning awards.
In 1995, Weah was named African, European, and World Player of the Year.
He also actively defended the rights of his people back home. In 2014, he won a Senatorial seat.
Still in France, George Weah played for Paris Saint-Germain (PSG).
At the same time, He was part of the squad that played during the European Champions League semis in 1995.
With his rising star, Weah joined AC Millan (1995-2000), helping the club win Italy’s Serie A in 1996 and 1999.
Notably, Weah played in the English Premier League, after AC Millan loaned him to Chelsea in January 2000.
During the sunset years of his stellar career on the pitch, Weah played for Manchester City and Marseille in France.
He retired in 2002, after starring as a player, coach, and football financier, leaving behind an enviable legacy.
