UPDATE: Polls close, counting to begin in Liberia’s 2023 runoff elections

Pockets of violence and tension have been recorded in some areas within Liberia as elections near closing.

Liberian-based media, Front Page Africa reports that a serious confrontation occurred between Representatives of Acarus Moses Gray of the ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) and newly elected Representative Prince Toles of District 8, Montserrado County at the G.W Gibson High School in Monrovia.

The misunderstanding began when Representative Gray rushed to the center with able-bodied men after receiving information that voters were instructed by Representative Toles to display their voting cards before casting votes. Other reports according to Front Page Africa indicated that Representative Toles had been encouraging voters to vote for the Unity Party.

A similar incident happened in New Kru Town in District 16 when some two persons who allegedly influenced voters to mark the Unity Party presidential candidate Joseph Nyma Boakai caused a moment of chaos at the polling station. According to local news outlet GNN Liberia, their actions infuriated some members of the crowd who demanded for the culprits. But Liberia National Police intervened and brought the situation under control.

Polls are expected to close at 6pm Liberia time.

Voting has closed in polling stations across several Districts in the country.

Local news outlet Spoon Network in Montserrado reports that some local observers are present as processes begin for vote counting.

Security personnel are also present.

Ahead of counting, some citizens have taken to social media platform with reactions.

The former Police 102, Colonel Abraham Kromah has allegedly been arrested, according to Spoon Network. Reports from the media house indicates that many media houses have been shut down and there is oppression of media houses. 

Results are expected across all 73 electoral districts across Liberia.

Runoff

The runoff was necessitated by the tight margin in the first round of the election held on October 10, 2023, where neither candidate scored over 50 percent of the votes to secure an outright victory.

The first-round results showed a narrow gap of 0.39 percentage points, setting the stage for a highly competitive runoff.

Analysts anticipate a fiercely contested runoff, considering the marginal difference of just 7,126 votes out of almost two million cast in the first round. With no dominant third candidate, the competition between Weah and Boakai is expected to be intense.

George Weah

President George Weah, a 57-year-old football icon, represents the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC). He assumed office in 2018 after a historic democratic transfer of power. Weah's main promises during his 2017 campaign included poverty alleviation, infrastructure development, and the fight against corruption.

CDC’s Weah has kept current vice president, Jewel Howard-Taylor, as his running mate. Howard-Taylor is the ex-wife of former president Charles Taylor who is serving a 50-year sentence for crimes against humanity committed in neighbouring Sierra Leone, in a British prison.

Joseph Boakai

78-year-old Joseph Boakai is a seasoned politician affiliated with the Unity Party (UP). He served as Vice President from 2006 to 2018 under Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa's first elected female head of state.

With decades of experience in Liberia’s public sector, Joseph Boakai has widespread name recognition and is now aiming for the presidency, under the Unity Party (UP). He was previously minister of agriculture from 1983 to 1985.

This year, Boakai is in an alliance with the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR), founded by former warlord-turned-senator Prince Johnson. Consequently, Boakai has selected MDR senator Jeremiah Koung as his running mate.

Strongholds

Weah, popular among younger demographics has maintained support in certain areas, especially Bong County. His alliance with Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor, the ex-wife of former president Charles Taylor, solidifies his presence in these regions.

Many see his presidential prospects as a fitting next chapter in the rags-to-riches fairytale and one that gives them hope.

According to the Executive Mansion, the Union of Liberian Muslims has also endorsed President Weah based on his enormous development initiatives which they describe as an “oasis of modernity.”

Boakai, Weah's contender, is expected to dominate the northern alliance, particularly in Lofa and Nimba. His alliance with former warlord-turned-Senator Prince Johnson strengthens his influence in Nimba, the second most populous county. He seems the clear favourite of the over-65 age cohort, many of whom were active or worked in government during the dictatorship of Samuel Doe.

While his age provides a sense of stability to the older generation and political elites, it presents a challenge in resonating with the 'lost generation' of Liberians, many of whom came of age during the civil war and now ardently seek generational change.

Campaign Messages

In his policy agenda, Weah pledges a reduction in out-of-pocket medical expenses through the implementation of a mandatory social health insurance scheme. Additionally, he commits to advancing sustainability by providing off-grid solar energy for public hospitals and secondary schools.

A focus on economic empowerment is evident as Weah promises to formalise artisanal and small-scale mining activities, concurrently providing public prosecutors with training to address sexual and gender-based violence.

Boakai, in his campaign, places a central emphasis on agricultural development, vowing to enhance domestic rice production and establish three agricultural machinery hubs within the country. Infrastructure takes a prominent role in his vision, with commitments to pave highways connecting county capitals and facilitating cross-border trading.

Boakai assures Liberians of his dedication to establishing a specialized court, in collaboration with the legislature, to expedite cases related to corruption and economic crimes. Additionally, he envisions supporting the private sector in creating programs for recycling solid waste to generate renewable energy.