DAVID S. MENJOR
Africa-Press – Liberia. The National Elections Commission (NEC) has officially declared the campaign open for the runoff elections between President George Weah and his main challenger, Joseph Boakai, after they missed out on a victory in the first round.
Weah, according to the National Elections Commission, topped the October 10 election results with 804,087 votes, constituting 43.83%. Boakai, a former Vice President, secured 796,961 votes, which represents 43.44%. With neither candidate reaching the 50% threshold, a runoff election has been scheduled to take place on November 14.
The just-ended October 10 polls, which are the tightest presidential contest in postwar Liberia’s history, produce a rematch of the 2017 election results in which Boakai trailed Weah in the first round of voting and then lost a runoff by a wide margin.
Boakai had run his election under the slogan “Rescue Mission”, accusing the President of taking Liberia downhill during his first term.
However, Weah has dismissed such claims, saying that he has made significant strides, including introducing free tuition for university students, which birthed his slogan “Hope You Can Count On.”
As per the new electoral calendar, the official campaign period runs from October 24th to November 12th, which observers say is ample time for the two frontrunners to once again engage the electorate and make their case to the Liberian people.
Davidetta Browne-Lansanah, the electoral body Chair, said, “With the results of the October 10 polls showing that no presidential ticket obtained 50 percent plus one vote, a runoff election is hereby declared to be held on November 14 between the two tickets that obtained the highest number of votes.”
Weah and Boakai have, however, since the opening of the campaign, begun intensifying efforts to gain the support of some top presidential candidates.
The President, who came to power in 2018 on a platform of change and development, is seeking re-election with a promise to continue his pro-poor agenda, focusing on infrastructure development, education, and healthcare. He has also emphasized his commitment to peace and stability, emphasizing the need to build upon the progress made in recent years.
On the other hand, Joseph Boakai, who served as Vice President during the previous administration, has framed his campaign around experience, stability, and good governance.
For More News And Analysis About Liberia Follow Africa-Press
