[1/3]Opposition Unity Party of Liberia Joseph Boakai waves to his supporters as he holds his final campaign meeting for the presidential election in Monrovia, Liberia on October 7, 2023. REUTERS/Carel Doe/File Photo Obtaining licensing rights
MONROVIA (Reuters) – Liberian President George Weah on Friday conceded election defeat to opposition leader Joseph Bukai, just hours after opinion polls showed Bukai ahead with almost all votes counted, spokesmen for the candidates told Reuters.
Presidential Press Secretary Sulu Kahjabeh told Reuters that Weah “called Mr. Boakai to congratulate him.” “That’s the beauty of democracy.”
Boakai spokesman Amara Konneh confirmed the call.
The country’s electoral commission said on Friday that Bukai, 78, a former vice president who lost to Weah in the 2017 elections, led with 50.89% of the votes compared to the 49.11% that Weah obtained, according to the results of 99.6% of polling stations.
The final results are expected to appear in the coming days.
Preparing by Karel Du and Alfonso Tueh Reporting Writing by Annette Meridzanian. Edited by Edward McAllister, Louise Heavens, Jonathan Oatis, and Cynthia Osterman
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