What's happened
Joseph Boakai wins the runoff election against incumbent President George Weah
Why it matters
The election outcome is significant as it demonstrates the strength of democracy in the region and the peaceful transfer of power. It also highlights the potential for change through peaceful means and sets a positive example for other countries facing political transitions.
What the papers say
AP News reports that a speeding vehicle rammed into supporters of President-elect Joseph Boakai at a victory celebration, resulting in casualties. France 24 highlights the praise received by President Weah for conceding defeat and promoting a non-violent transition. Al Jazeera emphasizes the peaceful transfer of power in a region marred by military coups. The New York Times discusses the significance of an incumbent president not being re-elected after serving one term. Gulf News provides an overview of President Weah's record and the challenges he faced during his first term.
How we got here
The election in Liberia was closely contested between Joseph Boakai and George Weah. Boakai won with a narrow margin of 20,567 votes. Weah had previously won the 2017 election with over 61% of the vote. The election is seen as a referendum on Weah's performance in office, with some voters expressing disillusionment over issues such as corruption and economic hardship.
More on these topics
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George Manneh Oppong Weah is a Liberian politician and former professional footballer who is currently serving as the 25th President of Liberia, in office since 2018. Prior to his election to the presidency, Weah served as Senator from Montserrado County.
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Joseph Nyumah Boakai is a Liberian politician who served as Vice President of Liberia from 2006 to 2018, serving under President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Previously, he served as Minister of Agriculture from 1983 to 1985.
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Liberia, officially the Republic of Liberia, is a country on the West African coast. It is bordered by Sierra Leone to its northwest, Guinea to its north, Côte d’Ivoire to its east, and the Atlantic Ocean to its south-southwest.
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Senegal, officially the Republic of Senegal, is a country in West Africa. Senegal is bordered by Mauritania in the north, Mali to the east, Guinea to the southeast, and Guinea-Bissau to the southwest.
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Ousmane Sonko was born in Thiès, Senegal in 1974. He is a former chief tax inspector in Senegal, and a tax justice advocate. Sonko was the youngest candidate to run in the 2019 presidential election in Senegal when he challenged the incumbent president,