Remarks delivered by Amb. Joseph N. Boakai

Madam Chair and Members of the National Elections Commission Mr. Chairman, Officials and Members of the Unity Party My Dear Colleagues of the Unity Party Alliance and The Rescue Team Other Political Parties, Stakeholders, Civil Society Actors Members of the Press Fellow Liberians, People of Liberia

ALL PRAISE TO GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW! God has been good to our country and its people and there are so many reasons to be grateful.

Can we all stand and pay homage to the many whose blood, sweat, and tears offered us the opportunity to gather here today, and particularly our condolences to the citizens who lost their lives as the result of the fuel tanker exploration yesterday in Totota, Bong County.

Many men and women: Soldiers for Democracy paid the ultimate price so our democracy could survive the various threats and onslaught to its survival. We thank God that they lived, and they have bequeathed to us this day. Our lives and service must reflect a fitting tribute to the many heroes and heroines on whose shoulders we now stand.

We must nationally celebrate a watershed moment in our history and our search for democratic consolidation.

Vice President-elect Koung receiving his certificate

Liberia has had its share of difficulties and now in a sea of democratic uncertainties regionally and globally, we have demonstrated to the world that we can be different. We can offer a model and set good examples.  We can boast of peaceful elections and act responsibly to ensure a smooth and peaceful transition. What we celebrate today is the outcome of years of turmoil: military coup, an aberration of democracy, betrayals and now we can all acknowledge the reward of collective endurance.

Let me start by expressing thanks to my Family especially my darling wife of decades who stood by me through these challenging times. The Unity Party which has proven and trusted me to bear its standard. The great alliance formed with women and men of fortitude. The Liberian People who not only voted but with determination protected their votes.

Also, we want to recognize the role played by the National Elections Commission for correctly interpreting and announcing the votes of the Liberia people.

We are grateful to our international and regional partners who supported and invested in and idea that has flourished.

We want to thank our political adversaries and particularly President Weah who conceded even before the last vote was counted. He has also committed his government to a peaceful transition. We expect that the will of the People has prevailed, and we must all listen.

Fellow Liberians and our Friends, what we all applaud today will not be meaningful without the full involvement of all Liberians and the international community.  This event will be meaningless if Liberians cannot benefit from the dividends of democracy.

This must not be seen as a perfunctory undertaking. It must be felt in every village, town, and city. It must reverberate throughout our region and the world. Therefore, I call upon all Liberians to join me in building the country.

Over the next few weeks and during my inauguration, my Vice President and I will lay out the road map for progress and development. We will fully articulate the pathway to peace, development, and progress.

On this occasion, we want to demonstrate our gratitude and renew our commitment to the Liberian People. By this certification I pledge that Liberia will be different under my leadership.

We will not betray you! We will work tirelessly for you! We will ensure that you benefit from your votes!

LOVE LIBERIA! THINK LIBERIA AND BUILD LIBERIA

I THANK YOU!