Liberia's Presidential Run-Off Sees High Demand for Change among Voters
Liberia votes in closely contested presidential run-off between rivals President George Weah and former vice president Joseph Boakai, as citizens yearn for positive change
Liberians cast their votes on Tuesday in a closely contested run-off election, with incumbent President George Weah facing off against former vice president Joseph Boakai. Weah, a former soccer star, assumed office in 2018 and narrowly defeated Boakai in the October polls by a margin of only 7,000 votes. However, neither candidate was able to secure the required 50% majority for a definitive win.
Numerous voters expressed their disappointment with Weah's initial term, as it has been marked by corruption scandals and ongoing poverty in Africa's oldest sovereign nation. "I am casting my vote in pursuit of peace and greater progress," stated Future Barbour, a mother of four who was selling rice near a polling station in Monrovia, the nation's capital. "My children are unable to attend school due to my unemployment."
Weah is seeking additional time from voters to fulfill his commitments made during his first term to combat corruption and enhance living conditions. The country in West Africa continues to endure the consequences of two civil wars from 1989 to 2003 and the Ebola epidemic of 2013-16, resulting in the loss of numerous lives.
Neither of the two leading candidates, President George Weah and opposition leader Joseph Boakai, obtained a definitive majority during the initial round of voting, consequently resulting in a run-off vote for the Liberia presidential election.
Boakai, an opposition candidate who lost to Weah in the 2017 election, is currently campaigning to salvage the country from what he perceives as mismanagement under Weah's administration. Today, a Reuters journalist observed queues forming at polling stations throughout Monrovia. However, the voter turnout seemed to be lower compared to the first round, where approximately 2.4 million registered voters witnessed a historic participation rate of 79%.
Boakai mentioned on Tuesday that it is typical for the runoff to experience a decrease in voter participation. However, he accused Weah's party of "panicking" and attempting to prevent ballots from being cast, but did not provide any specifics. "We are extremely watchful. People are monitoring all those matters," he informed journalists.
Both Weah and Boakai have garnered endorsements from unsuccessful candidates in the initial round. An important uncertainty pertains to the voting inclination of the 6% of individuals whose ballots were invalidated during the first round.
Whilst peaceful on the whole, the electoral phase witnessed confrontations between opposing groups, resulting in the loss of two lives. Moreover, logistical challenges led to voting delays in certain rural regions.
There have been no reports of problems on Tuesday morning, which could potentially fuel unrest if any alleged irregularities occur in the second round. "I am pleased by the peaceful environment, with everyone participating in voting and no tension. This signifies democracy," stated Weah to the press upon casting his ballot in the capital.
"I am confident of winning."
A better Liberia
The vote serves as a litmus test for Weah's popularity, as he enjoys a fervent following in various regions due to his remarkable journey from a Monrovia slum to becoming an international soccer star. However, he has struggled to alleviate the pervasive poverty and eradicate corruption.
According to the World Bank's report from July, although the economy experienced a 4.8% growth in 2022, primarily attributed to gold production and a decent harvest, over 80% of the population continues to grapple with significant food insecurity.
The upcoming contest is widely acknowledged to be a head-to-head competition between former Vice President Joseph Boakai (left), representing the main opposition Unity Party, and incumbent President George Weah (right), representing the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC).
Liberians are going to vote in crucial elections amidst escalating tensions. In response to corruption allegations, he dismissed his chief of staff along with two other top officials, following the imposition of sanctions by the United States last year.
Many want change.
"I am voting for my childrens future⦠to have a free country where there will be no armed robbery, where children can move freely," said Samuel Carr, who voted in Monrovia.
"I want to see a better Liberia."
