The former football star, George Weah has won the Liberian presidential run-off poll beating the current vice president, Joseph Boakai from the ruling party.
Mr. Weah according to local media and Eyewitness News won in 12 of the 15 counties in Liberia with Boakai, 73 winning in two counties.
Turn out for Tuesday’s poll was low in an election that had over two million eligible voters.
Weah, 53 will succeed Africa’s first female president, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf whose tenure expires next month and become the 25th president in the country’s history.
This is the third time George Weah was attempting to become president of the West African nation which was plagued by civil war for decades.
Mr Boakai was hoping to go a step further to become president after serving as Liberia’s vice-president for 12 years.
Mr. Weah was considered the favorite going into the run-off poll after receiving the backing of other opposition political parties.
The former football star took to Twitter to thank Liberians for voting for him in Tuesday’s poll and assured that his supporters had made history.
I am deeply grateful to my family, my friends, and my loyal supporters who contributed to our campaign during this extremely long election season. We are on the verge of making history for our people. #Liberia #Liberia2017 #ChangeforHope
— George Weah (@GeorgeWeahOff) December 26, 2017
It is with deep emotion that I want to thank you, the Liberian people, for honoring me with your vote today. It is a great hope. #Liberia #Liberia2017
— George Weah (@GeorgeWeahOff) December 26, 2017
Liberia was founded by freed US slaves in the 19th Century and would be hoping for a peaceful transfer of power in 73 years.
Source: Africafeeds.com
