ECOWAS Salutes President Weah For Conceding Defeat

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has saluted Liberia’s outgoing President, George Weah for honourably accepting his defeat in the country’s run-off election.

In a statement, it congratulated President elect Joseph Boakai and commended President Weah for his posture to the results.

“ECOWAS also congratulates Ambassador Joseph Boakai on his election as President of Liberia and salutes President George Weah for graciously accepting the results of the elections.”

President Weah ahead of the declaration of the results announced his concession of defeat on national radio on Friday.

“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.”

The former footballer polled 49.1% as against 50.9% by Boakai in the rerun.

In its statement, ECOWAS characterized the election as peaceful and commended Liberia for it.

“Liberians have once again demonstrated that democracy is alive in the ECOWAS region and that change is possible through peaceful means.”

“ECOWAS commends all the stakeholders, including the political parties, National Elections Commission, the civil society, the security forces as well as local and international partners, for their commitment to a credible and inclusive electoral process as enshrined in the Revised Farmington River Declaration.”

Liberians went to the polls on Friday, November 10, 2023, to elect a President, however, none of the candidates managed to garner more than 50% of the votes with Weah and oppostion candidate Joseph Boakai respectively obtaining 43.83% and 43.44%.

The runoff was conducted on Tuesday, November 14, 2023.