After a closely contested election in Liberia, current President George Weah and his main rival Joseph Boakai are on the brink of a run-off as they remain closely matched in the vote count.
The latest provisional results indicate that Weah holds 43.8% of the vote, with Boakai trailing closely behind at 43.5%. In order to secure victory, a candidate must secure more than 50% of the vote.
This election marks the closest presidential race in Liberia since the end of a devastating civil war two decades ago. With results from over 98% of polling stations counted, Weah currently maintains a narrow lead of 5,456 votes.
However, due to acts of tampering by unknown individuals, voting will be repeated in certain areas of Sinoe, Nimba, and Montserrado counties on Friday, as confirmed by the election commission.
None of the other 18 presidential candidates managed to gain more than 3% of the vote in the first round. As a result, Weah and Boakai are likely to vie for the endorsement of these candidates, recognizing the importance of each vote in the impending run-off.
Weah, the former international football star, is seeking a second term as president. In the previous election held in 2017, he emerged victorious in the run-off with 61.5% against Boakai’s 38.5%. However, it is worth noting that in the first round of that election, Weah secured 38.4% while Boakai achieved 28.8%, indicating a stronger showing for Boakai in last week’s poll.
Political analyst Abdullah Kiatamba noted that the candidate who emerges as the front-runner in the first round will hold a significant advantage with greater momentum heading into the run-off.
The official results will be announced, and the run-off is scheduled for November 7th.
Observers speculate that this may be Boakai’s final attempt at the presidency, given his age of 78. He previously served as vice-president in the government of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her efforts in securing peace and stability in Liberia after a brutal civil war that claimed the lives of approximately 250,000 people.
Boakai campaigned under the slogan “Rescue,” arguing that Liberia had regressed during Weah’s six years in office.
Weah, on the other hand, dismissed Boakai’s allegations, highlighting the strides his administration has made, including the introduction of free tuition for university students.
Sources: BBC, Jide Johnson.
