African soccer legend, George Weah loses reelection bid as Liberia President
Liberia President George Weah has lost his reelection bid to become the President of Liberia.
Weah conceded defeat to opposition leader Joseph Boakai in the run-off election which was held on Tuesday.
According to the Liberia election commission, Boakai, 78, a former vice president who lost to Weah in the 2017 election, led with 50.9% of the vote over Weah’s 49.1%, with nearly all the votes counted.
“A few moments ago, I spoke with president-elect Joseph Boakai to congratulate him on his victory. I urge you to follow my example and accept the results of the elections” said Weah on National radio on friday.
The election was put to a run-off after Boakai had emerged neck-and-neck with Weah in the first round of voting in October but below the 50% needed to secure an outright victory.
Boakai told Reuters after the result was announced that he will champion peace and reconciliation in the county.
“We have a job ahead of us to do and I’m excited that the citizens have given us approval.First and foremost, we want to have a message of peace and reconciliation.”
George Weah is regarded as one of the greatest African footballer. He is the only black man to have ever won the prestigious FIFA World Player of the Year award in 1995.
