By Lincoln G. Peters
Dozens of Liberians in central Monrovia descended into jubilation late Monday, November 20, 2023, immediately after the National Elections Commission officially pronounced Amb. Joseph Nyumah Boakai winner of the 14 November Presidential Runoff Election. Trickle-happy citizens stormed various street corners here in jubilation and excitement.
The jubilant Liberians carried green leaves in their hands and on their bodies, symbolizing the color of the Unity Party, as they celebrated.
The crowd, including females and youth sang “Our nightmare has gone; we did it. Our Pa welcomes back; we have corrected the mistake”, among others.
The National Elections Commission (NEC) through its Chairperson, Madam Davidette Browne Lansanah on Monday, officially announced Amb. Boakai winner of the November 14 Presidential Runoff Election.
Boakai defeated incumbent President George M. Weah with 814,481 votes, constituting 50.64%. Mr. Weah, who was seeking another six years from Liberians, accumulated 793,914 votes, amounting to 49.36%.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with the NEW DAWN, one jubilating citizen, Alfred Massaquio, describes the pronouncement of Boakai-Koung Rescue Ticket as a redemption and restoration of competent government and responsible leadership.
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According to UP supporters, Liberians under the leadership of President Weah and the CDC experienced nothing good but international and local disgrace, pain, injustice, poverty and corruption.
“President Weah has been considered the country’s worst nightmare because he had all the worst negative experiences under his government. We are excited that this national disgrace and nightmare is leaving our country. We believe in Amb. Boakai and the entire rescue mission; therefore, with this, I can say true liberation and redemption has come” Massaquio explains.
Also, Faith Johnson, a resident of 9th Street community, who came at the NEC with jubilant celebration, extolled the Commission for discharging its duties void of influence, adding that they are true patriots.
My brother, we are here today because we are happy. We came at the NEC to thank them; thanks because they have done good work. We want to thank them for not bowing down to pressure and influence from the government. President Weah deserves what he got because he really ignored us for long”, she says.
Mr. Weah conceded defeat last week, after the NEC announced consolidated tally results from across the country, telling partisans and supporters of his ruling Coalition for Democratic Change it is over and they should move on with life. Editing by Jonathan Browne
