Liberia Presidential Results 2023: George Weah vs Joseph Boakai
Liberian voters are expected to return to the polls next November to choose their next president. The vote pits outgoing President George Weah, a former soccer star, against Joseph Boakai, a former longtime vice president. Provisional results from the first round revealed a very close race between the two candidates, with George Weah receiving 43.8% of the vote and Joseph Boakai receiving 43.4% of the vote.
These surprising results reflect a mixed appreciation of George Weah’s presidential mandate. While he generated a lot of enthusiasm during his election in 2017, his economic and social record has been widely criticized in recent years. In addition, his management of power was marred by prolonged absences from the country, causing discontent among the population.
Joseph Boakai, for his part, can boast of a long experience in Liberian politics, having held the post of vice-president for 12 years. However, at 79, he may face a major challenge in convincing the country’s young electorate, with a median age of just 18 and a half.
This presidential election is therefore crucial for the future of Liberia. A country which remains one of the least developed in the region, with a majority of the population facing precarious living conditions. Liberia relies heavily on foreign aid and the exploitation of its natural resources, but infrastructure and access to basic services remain very limited.
One of the keys to Liberia’s future could lie in strengthening economic ties with neighboring countries. Deeper regional economic integration, notably with Sierra Leone, Guinea and Ivory Coast, could help boost growth and improve living conditions for Liberians. However, this would require strong political will and enhanced cooperation between neighboring countries.
As these presidential elections dawn, the Liberian people eagerly await the final result and begin a new era of development and progress. The final decision now rests with voters, who will have to choose between the experience of Joseph Boakai and the change offered by George Weah. One thing is certain, whatever the outcome, the future president of Liberia will face many challenges and will have to work hard to improve the living conditions of his fellow citizens.