The President-elect of the Republic of Liberia, Ambassador Joseph N. Boakai, has called on all Liberians to join hands to exploit the full potential of Liberia—a country of promise, and to join in the transformation that will lift the people from the many economic and social inequities and the injustices they have been subjected to for many years. “You, the people of Liberia, have spoken, and words are inadequate to express my feelings of gratitude to you. You have placed your trust in me to lead with the demand for the change you want. And that change begins now,” President-elect Boakai observed.
In his first statement to the nation following the pronouncement of the November 14, 2023 presidential run-off election on November 22, 2023, Ambassador Boakai said the hard work to rebuild starts now, and the challenges of the country must be confronted immediately and head-on to create an equal future for all Liberians and succeeding generations. “We must leave no stone unturned to address and remove the economic, social, and political disparities that undermine our potential. Our country is not poor; the problem with our country is bad leadership in all facets of society, including the institutions of the state,” the statesman underscored.
According to him, the elections are now over and Liberians must come together as one people to rebuild the country. “There are no green Liberians or blue Liberians, western Liberians or southeastern Liberians, north central Liberians or southern Liberians. There is only one Liberia, citizens of the oldest republic in Africa! All of us have won. What has happened in our democracy over the last 4 days is a win for Liberia, and will be a legacy for us as a people and marked in posterity forever. We will no longer be known for war, but for the peace that has prevailed in our country.
“We must, therefore, embrace each other, be magnanimous in victory and gracious in defeat. Politics should not define us. What should define us is our collective resolve to transform our country for the good of everyone, including future generations.
“I promise to extend development across this country, including building the roads of our beautiful region of southeastern Liberia, which for years has suffered the fate of rural neglect. So, I implore all Liberians, irrespective of their ethnic background, county, religion, and political party affiliations, to join us on this journey to rescue our country,” he continued.
Ambassador Boakai promised to lead Liberia by example, where the resources of the country will benefit all Liberians. “The Liberian state will no longer be used as a predatory tool by and for a few to the detriment of the majority of the people,” he vowed.
The President-elect promised to promote broad participation of the people, including those in rural communities, in the decision-making process, and to establish a responsible and accountable government that will address the major problem of corruption in government, especially in high places.
He also promised to announce a transitional team in the next few days to work on a transitional plan. “We will start working immediately with the out-going government for a smooth and peaceful transition. We will work with the current administration to assess the current state of affairs, determine the necessary actions to respond to challenges, build on any progress, and prevent any disruptions to a smooth and successful transition.
He emphasized that the progress of the country is undermined by the lack of sound and honest leadership. “It is this leadership we promise the Liberian people as we together build a country with a vision aimed at promoting a functional and equitable society for generations to come,” he added.