Liberia: George Weah In Runaway, Popularity Down
The president of Liberia, George Weah, a candidate for his own succession, found himself in a run-off in the first round of the presidential election on October 17, 2023.
He won 43.84% of the vote, while his main opponent, Joseph Boakai, received 43.44% of the vote, with both men engaging in a return game of the 2017 presidential election. They are currently looking for alliances among the 18 unfortunate candidates, as a second round is scheduled for November 7.
Weah’s relatively low score in the first round reflects a decline in his popularity, despite the hopes placed on him when he came to power in 2017. Although it has consolidated peace, improved road infrastructure and taken measures such as free university fees, it has failed to fully meet the expectations of the population.
Persistent corruption and growing poverty in Liberia have damaged her image. However, he retains his chances of remaining in power due to the division of the opposition. The final verdict will be in the hands of voters in the second round in two weeks.