With results of 5,889 polling centers of the of the 5,890 centers announced by the National Elections Commission (NEC) has scheduled today, Monday, November 20, 2023 to announce the final results of the recently conducted 14 November Presidential Run-off Elections.
The Presidential run-off election was necessitated by the failure of any of the 20 political parties, most especially with none of the two forerunners satisfying Article 83(b) of the Liberian Constitution, which requires a presidential candidate to win through an absolute majority.
Article 83(b) of the Liberian Constitution – organic law of the country states that: “All elections of public officers shall be determined by an absolute majority of the votes cast. If no candidate obtains an absolute majority in the first ballot, a second ballot shall be conducted on the second Tuesday following. The two candidates who received the greatest numbers of votes on the first ballot shall be designated to participate in the run-off election.”
But contrary to this this constitutional requirement, President Weah of the ruling CDC then obtained CDC 804,087 or 43.83 percent of the votes, while main opposition leader Boakai of the UP got 796,961 votes, which constitute 43.44 percent of the total valid votes cast.
Accordingly, on the outcome of progressive results released so far by the country’s electoral management body has clearly shown that political power has shifted from the hands of the CDC to the former ruling and incoming Unity Party (UP) and that was clearly confirmed in a concession speech delivered by outgoing President Weah.
In fact, President Weah delivered his speech with 5,865 polling places or 99.58 percent of the results were announced by Madam Davidetta Brown Lassanah, Chairperson of NEC.
In his concession speech played on the state-owned Liberia Broadcasting System (LBS), the Liberian leader congratulated the presumptive winner of the poll for his victory because the CDC is unable to surpass the numbers obtained by the UP.
“The results announced tonight, though not final, indicate that Ambassador Joseph N. Boakai is in a lead that we cannot surpass. Therefore, a few minutes ago, I spoke with President-elect Joseph N. Boakai to congratulate him on his victory,” President Weah pointed out.
The outgoing Liberian President craved the need for reconciliation for Liberians due to the high level of division brought forth by the political process.
“Tonight, as we acknowledge the results, let us also recognize that the true winners of these elections are the people of Liberia. Through your peaceful and orderly exercise of your constitutional right to vote, you have once again demonstrated your commitment to the democratic principles that bind us together as a nation.”
“Under my leadership, these elections were organized with a promise to the Liberian people – a promise of fairness, peace, inclusiveness, transparency, and credibility. I am proud to say that we have fulfilled that promise. The Liberian people have spoken, and we have heard their voice.”
“However, the closeness of the results reveals a deep division within our country. As we transition to a new administration, we must be vigilant to the dangers of division, and must work together to find common ground. Now, more than ever, unity is paramount for the love of Mama Liberia,” he among other things stated.
As it stands, with just one more center and final result to be announced on today by the Commission, the UP has 814,428 (50.64%), while the CDC obtained CDC 793,910 or 49.36% of the consolidated 5,889 polling places of 5,890 polling places.
The result has since led to a nationwide celebration among partisans and supporters of the UP with several slogans of change on their lips.
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