Famous football star George Weah lost in his bid to rule Liberia for the second term.
Weah lost to opposition leader Joseph Boakai after a tight race, ending a presidency marred by graft allegations but helping to ensure a smooth transition of power in the once volatile African nation.
Boakai, 78, a former vice president who lost to Weah in the 2017 election, led with 50.9 per cent of the vote over Weah’s 49.1 per cent with nearly all the votes counted, the country’s elections commission said on Friday November 17.
Weah set precedent in the West by conceeding defeat.
A few moments ago, I spoke with president elect Joseph Boakai to congratulate him on his victory,” Weah said on national radio.
“I urge you to follow my example and accept the results of the elections.”
Weah’s concession paved the way for Liberia’s second democratic transfer of power in over seven decades – the first was when Weah swept to power six years ago.
He was sent packing after falling to honour his campaign pledges with electorates indicating that they deviated into poverty during Weah’s reign.
Corruption allegations also characterized Weah’s reign in Liberia.
Leaders around the globe lauded the former football star for his statemanship.
They argued that he set a precedent on the tenets of a mature democracy.
