Joseph Nyumah Boakai, Sr., Standard Bearer of the Unity Party (UP) Alliance, has emerged winner of the November 14, 2023 presidential run-off election after the National Elections Commission (NEC) announced 99.98 % of the total results, accumulating 814,428 (50.64%) of the votes. His contender and incumbent President, George Manneh Weah, has also conceded, with an early call to congratulate him via telephone following the announcement of provisional results by the National Elections Commission (NEC) on Friday, November 17, 2023.
Weah, after the announcement of 99.98% of the results, obtained 793,910 (49.36%) of the votes tallied, trailing with a little over 20,000 votes.
The National Elections Commission (NEC) is expected to announce the final results of the election today at 4:30 p.m., declaring Ambassador Boakai the official winner of the run-off election and the President-elect of the Republic of Liberia.
Tons of congratulatory messages have started pouring in for Ambassador Boakai, while tons of commendations are also pouring in for out-going President Weah for his statesmanship and commitment to the consolidation of peace and security in Liberia.
Speaking to the nation on Friday evening, President Weah said, “The results announced tonight, though not final, indicate that Ambassador Joseph N. Boakai is in a lead that is insurmountable. A few moments ago, I spoke with President-elect Joseph N. Boakai to congratulate him on his victory and to offer my sincere commitment to working with him for the betterment of our beloved Liberia.”
He extended heartfelt congratulations to President-elect Boakai, his supporters and his campaign team, and prayed his presidency be marked by success for all Liberians, and the nation prosper under his leadership.
“Tonight, as we acknowledge the results, let us also recognize that the true winners of these elections are the people of Liberia. Through your peaceful and orderly exercise of your Constitutional right to vote, you have once again demonstrated your commitment to the democratic principles that bind us together as a nation,” he said.
He noted, “Under my leadership, these elections were organized with a promise to the Liberian people–a promise of fairness, transparency, and credibility. I am proud to say that, for the most part, we have fulfilled that promise. The Liberian people have spoken, and their choice will be honored and obeyed.
“At this juncture, I would like to congratulate the National Elections Commission (NEC) for a job well done. You have earned the respect of all Liberians, our foreign partners, international observers, and the world at large for completing this difficult task to the satisfaction of all stakeholders, including the contesting parties.
“However, the closeness of the results reveals a deep division within our country. As we transition to the new Boakai administration, we must be vigilant to the dangers of division and work together to find common ground. Now, more than ever, unity is paramount for the love of Mama Liberia.
“To the members of the Mighty Coalition for Democratic Change, fellow partisans, CDCians, Weahcians, auxiliaries, first-time voters, campaign managers, and party leaders, I understand that this is not the outcome we desired. Although we did not emerge victorious, your hard work and support have been the backbone of our campaign, and for that, I am deeply grateful.
“I urge you to follow my example and accept the results of the elections. Go home tonight with the knowledge that our ideals and vision for Liberia remain strong. We are a young movement, and our time will come again. Tomorrow, resume your daily activities in a normal way, and come and join me at our party’s headquarters to reflect on our journey and plan for our return to political leadership in 2029.
“Tonight, the CDC has lost the election, but Liberia has won. This is a time for graciousness in defeat, a time to place our country above party, and patriotism above personal interest. I remain your President until the handover of power, and I will continue to work for the good of Liberia. Let us heal the divisions caused by the campaign and come together as One Nation and One United People.
“May God bless Liberia, and may we continue to strive for a brighter future together. Thank you, and good night.”