LIBERIA’S presidential election is poised for a second round as the country’s electoral commission announced the final results of the October 10 polls on Tuesday. Incumbent President George Weah will once again face his main rival, Joseph Boakai, after neither candidate obtained the necessary 50 percent plus one vote to secure victory in the first round.
The National Elections Commission revealed that George Weah garnered 43.83 percent of the vote, while Joseph Boakai, representing the opposition Unity Party, secured 43.44 percent. The remaining 18 candidates collectively received no more than 3 percent of the vote.
The runoff election is scheduled for November 14, as confirmed by Davidetta Browne, the head of the electoral commission.
It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time these two candidates have faced off in a second round of voting. In the 2017 presidential election, Joseph Boakai trailed George Weah in the initial round of voting, leading to a runoff in which Weah ultimately won with 60 percent of the vote.
George Weah, a former football legend, has held the presidential office since January 2018. He is seeking re-election for another six-year term, promising to bring more prosperity to Liberia.
On the other hand, Joseph Boakai served as vice president under former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. His campaign focuses on the improvement of social services, including healthcare, education, and social welfare. Boakai rallied opposition political parties in a recent statement, calling on them to support him in ‘redeeming the nation from a failed administration led by President Weah.’ He pledged to form an inclusive government that reflects the political, social, and religious diversity of the citizens.
Liberia’s October 10 polls saw 2.4 million registered voters participating, setting the stage for what promises to be a closely watched and crucial second round of voting.
