Liberia’s President George Weah defeated in presidential election

Liberia’s outgoing President George Weah on Friday evening conceded his defeat in Tuesday’s presidential election to opponent Joseph Boakai, as the country awaits the publication of the total results of the vote.

“Tonight, the CDC (Mr. Weah’s party) lost the election but Liberia won. It’s time for elegance in victory,” declared Mr. Weah, former elected football star in 2017, in a speech on public radio.

“The results announced this evening, although not final, indicate that (Mr) Boakai has a lead that we cannot catch up with. I have spoken to President-elect Joseph Boakai to congratulate him on his victory,” Mr Weah said .

The results published Friday by the electoral commission, after votes in more than 99% of offices, gave 50.89% to Mr. Boakai, 78, and 49.11% to Mr. Weah.