“We Will Return Stronger in 2029” Says Pres Weah…As He Concedes Defeat
By: Laymah Kollie
Monrovia -November 18,2023: Less than 24hrs after the National Elections Commission (NEC) announcement of 99.58% of the November 14 Run-off elections results, President George Mannah Weah has congratulated Amb. Joseph Nyumah Boakai of the Unity Party on winning the Presidential election.
Aside the congratulatory message of conceding defeat, the Liberian leader indicated plans of the Coalition for Democratic Change return to electoral process in 2029, “We will return stronger in 2029”.
However, the president in his statement, encouraged members and supporters of the CDC to emulate his example by accepting the election results in order to sustain the peace in Liberia.
He furthered to his supporters to gather at the Party’s headquarters to reflect on better strategies to improve in the next elections.
“The results announced tonight, though not final, indicate that Ambassador Joseph N. Boakai is in a lead that is insurmountable. A few moments ago, I spoke with President-elect Joseph N. Boakai to congratulate him on his victory and to offer my sincere commitment to working with him for the betterment of our beloved Liberia. I urge you to follow my example and accept the results of the elections. Go home tonight with the knowledge that our ideals and vision for Liberia remain strong. We are a young movement, and our time will come again. Tomorrow, resume your daily activities in a normal way, and come and join me at our party headquarters to reflect on our journey and plan for our return to political leadership in 2029”.
While conceding defeat in the runoff election, Pres. Weah he called on Liberians to unite their differences for the common good of the country. “Tonight, the CDC has lost the election, but Liberia has won. This is a time for graciousness in defeat, a time to place our country above party, and patriotism above personal interest. I remain your President until the handover of power, and I will continue to work for the good of Liberia. Let us heal the divisions caused by the campaign and come together as One Nation and One United People”
The incumbent further applauded Liberians for exercising peace throughout the electoral process. “Tonight, as we acknowledge the results, let us also recognize that the true winners of these elections are the people of Liberia. Through your peaceful and orderly exercise of your constitutional right to vote, you have once again demonstrated your commitment to the democratic principles that bind us together as a nation”.
Meanwhile, President George Weah then congratulated the National Elections Commission, National and International Partners for their efforts in the country’s 2023 General elections. “You have earned the respect of all Liberians, our foreign partners, international observers, and the world at large for completing this difficult task to the satisfaction of all stakeholders, including the contesting parties”.
As per the National Elections Commission pronouncement on Friday November 17,2023, Amb. Boakai has so far obtained eight hundred and fourteen thousand two hundred and twelve votes (814,212) accumulating 50.89% while President George Weah obtained seven hundred and eighty-five thousand seven hundred and seventy-eight (785,778) accumulating 49.11%.
According to NEC there are 20 cases of quarantined polling place results in Grand Kru County that have been picked up by the result management system due to either of the three reasons: unusually high voters turn out, number of valid votes exceeding number of total voter in polling place or updated polling place result.
