MONROVIA: Political veteran Joseph Boakai has been declared winner of Liberia’s presidential polls, defeating incumbent George Weah, the National Electoral Commission (NEC) said after finishing the vote count, Western media reported on Monday.
Boakai clinched the election with 50.64 percent of the vote, against 49.36 percent of the vote for former football star Weah, said Davidetta Browne Lansanah, president of the commission.
Boakai won the election with margin of only a 20,567-votes.
Weah, conceded defeat on Friday evening, after the results of more than 99.98 percent of the polling stations.
However, head of the commission said that it had received two appeals from Weah’s party concerning the conduct of the election in Nimba County on Friday.
She said the commission has 30 days to investigate the matter to reach a decision.
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) praised by George Weah for conceding defeat and initiating a non-violent transition of power.
The bloc said Liberians have once again demonstrated that democracy is alive in the ECOWAS region and that change is possible through peaceful means.
While the African Union hailing the statesmanship of Weah congratulated Boakai on the win.
