By: Varney Dukuly
MONROVIA: As announcement of provisional results for the 10, October, 2023, polls by the National Elections Commission (NEC) approaches conclusion, the Presidential race continued to be a ‘seesaw political battle’ between incumbent President George Weah of the governing Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) and his major rival, former Vice President, Joseph Boakai of the former ruling Unity Party (UP).
On Tuesday, October 17, 2023, NEC released 100% of the provisional poll results as Weah and Boakai are still positioning themselves as forerunners for the Presidential race.
“The Commission Commits to the processing and tallying of the votes of the Liberian people now and until the very end,” declared NEC’s Chairperson, Davidetta Brown-Lasannah.
NEC told yesterday’s press briefing that it will announce the winner in the Presidential and Legislative elections in the coming days.
The NEC, at yesterday’s press conference also announced the completion in tally of the results from 5, 796, out of a total of 5,890 polling places across the country, constituting 100% of the votes cast.
Of the results announced by NEC, which accounts for 1,920,641 valid votes, incumbent President Weah took 791,661, amounting to 43.79%; while former Vice President Joseph Boakai of UP accumulated 786,205, amounting to 43.49%.
So far, there are 94 polling places left, out of a total of 5,890 polling places, according to the Commission.
The progressive tally results released so far have generated widespread speculations as regards the possibility for a presidential runoff election that may involve Weah and Boakai since it is becoming increasingly glaring that none of the two presidential candidates may obtain the constitutionally required 50 % plus one of the total valid votes cast to be declared winner in the first round of the polls.
Prior to the announcement, many apologists of the CDC were seeing gathering at the party’s headquarters on Tuesday in Congo Town, rejoicing over speculations that the party has won on a first ballot.
The gathering however alarmed the Unity Party’s Secretariat, prompting a brief write-up from its secretary general, Amos Tweh on facebook.
Tweh: “Don’t mind that shameful and embarrassing celebration at their headquarters.”
Without evidence, he added, the CDC government through “Cheat” is forcing its way into a run-off election with JNB.
“Don’t be deterred at the so-called gathering,” said Tweh. “Remain very confident on your decision to replace Mr. Weah. We don’t care how many gatherings they have, JNB is Liberia’s next President.”
On the other hand, scores of civil society and religious institutions have expressed displeasure over recent declaration by the Unity Party that it has already won the Nation’s Presidency.
The civil groups as well as multiple local and international observers including ECOWAS, USA, AU, European Union, among others warned Liberian political leaders to reframe from announcing victory from the October polls in gross violation of NEC regulations. They also urged political parties and candidates to look up to NEC as the legitimate authority announce polling results.
If no side obtained the 50 plus 1 on the first ballot, Weah and Boakai could emerge in the run-off for Liberians to decide the next President for the transformation of the country, in either November, 2023, if announced by NEC.
