Joseph N. Boakai, the flagbearer of Liberia’s main opposition Unity Party, delivered a special statement to the Liberian people on October 19, following the significant presidential elections held on October 10. In his address, Boakai expressed the importance of the elections and shared his vision for a better Liberia.
Boakai began by acknowledging the significance of the election day, where Liberian citizens exercised their democratic right to vote for their leaders. He emphasised that this right was fundamental to the Liberian Constitution and represented the power of the people to choose their leaders.
Boakai, who garnered 43.5 per cent of the vote as against the incumbent Weah’s 43.8 percent, pointed out that the majority of voters who stood in long lines on Election Day did so with the intention of changing leadership. They sought to remove President Weah from the presidency, citing his perceived dismal performance over the past six years. Boakai highlighted issues such as incompetence, corruption, and the alleged looting of state resources without accountability as key concerns during Weah’s presidency. According to Boakai, this period has seen a lack of effective leadership and a general regression of the nation.
‘No doubt, the majority of the Liberian people who stood in those lines on last Tuesday went to exercise their rights to eject President Weah from the presidency of Liberia for his dismal performance over the past six years during which his CDC party has been placed over the country’ he said adding, ‘Liberia has since witnessed gross incompetence, corruption and brazen looting of state resources, with no accountability. The lack of leadership and retrogression have been the order of the day.’
Boakai noted that the provisional results announced by the National Elections Commission (NEC) indicated that the Liberian people had served President Weah a clear warning about his presidency’s future. The election results signalled a potential second-round face-off between Boakai and Weah, reflecting the will of the people.
In his statement, Boakai expressed his profound gratitude to the parties of the UP Alliance and all their supporters who cast their votes for the Rescue Ticket. He praised their unwavering commitment and emphasised the historic significance of their participation in the election.
Boakai applauded the resilience of the Liberian people, who, despite challenges, remained steadfast in their pursuit of change. He highlighted the massive financial resources used by President Weah’s CDC party and their attempts to intimidate opposition supporters. Despite these obstacles and allegations of electoral irregularities, Boakai declared victory in the sense that the Liberian people had made their voices heard.
The former vice-president paid tribute to the voters who defied rain, thunder, scorching sun, fatigue, and long distances to share the vision of the Rescue Mission. He pointed out that their motivation was rooted not only in their love for specific individuals but, more importantly, in their love and deep concern for Liberia.
Boakai stressed the urgent need for Liberia’s rescue, healing, and unity. He recognised that the talents and ideas required for the nation’s reconstruction could not be found in a single party, tribe, county, region, or religion. Therefore, he pledged to form an inclusive government that would represent the diversity of the nation, irrespective of political affiliation or loyalty.
He extended an invitation to opposition members and all Liberians to unite in their mission to rebuild and heal the country and urged Liberians to actively participate in the electoral process, cast their votes, and play a role in shaping the nation’s destiny.
Boakai outlined key priorities for Liberia, including addressing the KUSH epidemic, improving healthcare, education, agriculture, and attracting foreign investment. He emphasised the need for collective action to save the future of Liberia, particularly its youth.
‘Together, we can, and we will effectively tackle the KUSH epidemic in our country, invest in health care, education, agriculture and as well spur foreign investment, thereby uplifting our country and saving the future of our young people who have become walking dead-bodies due to the action and inaction of a government that just does not care,’ he declared.
Boakai encouraged the nation to rise against mediocrity, corruption, and the current state of governance. He urged Liberians to use their sacred votes to deliver Liberia from mismanagement and ineptitude and to raise the national flag with pride and dignity.
He said: ‘Let us revolt against this sad state of our nation and our existence as a people. I urge all of us to wield our sacred votes to take the destiny of this nation in our own hands. Let us deliver that deadly blow to mediocrity, corruption, ethnic strife, and this absurd approach to governance. Let us deliver Liberia from the crushing jaws of mismanagement and ineptitude. The opportune hour is before us and is ripe.’
