Football icon and former FIFA World Best Player George Weah has gracefully conceded defeat in Liberia’s 2023 presidential election.
Weah, the current president of Liberia, reportedly called his challenger, Joseph Boakai, to acknowledge the victory as Boakai secured a lead of 28,000 votes in almost all counted ballots.
Liberia’s President George Weah – Getty image
In his address to the country, Weah expressed respect for the democratic process and the voice of the Liberian people, stating, “the Liberian people have spoken, and we have heard their voice.” Weah, who had been in power since 2018, will step down from the presidency after the inauguration of the new president in January.
Weah’s presidency, initially met with excitement, faced criticism for perceived failures in addressing corruption, rising commodity prices, and economic challenges. Despite winning the 2018 election with a large margin, his popularity dropped during his tenure.
Boakai, 78 years old, secured 50.89% of the votes, while Weah received 49.11%, according to the electoral commission. Weah, the first footballer to become a country’s president, accepted the result of the close race, emphasizing the need for unity in Liberia, “Unity is paramount for mama Liberia.”
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