Former Vice President Joseph Boakai emerged victorious in Liberia’s hotly contested presidential election, unseating incumbent President George Weah, election officials have confirmed.
Boakai, a political veteran, secured 50.64% of the vote compared to 49.36% for Weah, according to final results announced by the National Election Commission on Monday. Boakai’s margin of victory was slim at just 20,567 votes.
Weah initially disputed the outcome on Friday, citing alleged irregularities in Nimba County. However, he soon conceded defeat based on results from over 99.98% of polling stations showing Boakai with an insurmountable lead.
While Weah’s party filed appeals over the conduct of the election in Nimba, the election commission has 30 days to investigate claims before certifying final results.
Boakai’s win marks a dramatic turnaround from the 2017 election when Weah, a former soccer star, decisively defeated Boakai to become Liberia’s president.
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