The incumbent president of Liberia, George Weah on Friday night conceded defeat to opposition leader Joseph Boakai after a run-off election clearly pitched the opposition Boakai in the lead.
Weah is now putting in place an arrangement to facilitate a smooth transition of power in the West African nation.
Boakai, 78, a former vice president who lost to Weah in the 2017 election, led with 50.9% of the vote over Weah’s 49.1%, with nearly all the votes counted, the country’s elections commission said on Friday.
“A few moments ago, I spoke with president elect Joseph Boakai to congratulate him on his victory,” Weah said on national radio. “I urge you to follow my example and accept the results of the elections.”
This is the Liberia’s second democratic transfer of power in over seven decades – the first was when Weah swept to power six years ago.
Weah’s show of sportmanship has been seen as rare in a region where sit – tight attribute and Military coups have eroded its democratic process.