Liberia’s President, George Weah, is making a plea to voters before Tuesday’s election – he wants more time in office. However, his first term was plagued by corruption allegations and ongoing hardships, leaving many skeptical.
Weah, a former soccer star who rose to power in 2017, claims he’s on track to improve the poverty-stricken nation, despite setbacks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. He asserts that about 90% of the work is done, justifying his bid for re-election.
His campaign focuses on building new roads, a critical issue in a country where rainy seasons often cut off unpaved routes from the capital, Monrovia. Weah wants to be remembered as the president who paved rural roads.
Facing 19 presidential candidates, Weah’s main rival is former Vice President Joseph Boakai. Boakai lost to Weah in a runoff in 2017 and has been nicknamed “Sleepy Joe” due to allegations of falling asleep at public events.
Weah’s first term saw the construction of hospitals and the introduction of free education, but critics argue that living standards haven’t improved, corruption persists, and drug problems among youths are growing.
In response to corruption allegations, Weah dismissed senior officials in 2022 and faced a 2018 warrant for missing funds. Discontent among some voters is evident.
Analysts suggest that Weah’s popularity from his football career may still carry him to a second-round victory, but his lackluster first term and the loss of support from key figures could be detrimental.
The outcome of the legislative elections is uncertain, with Weah’s party facing challenges due to their administration’s performance and corruption scandals. Economic growth could be a factor in Weah’s favor, as the country saw nearly 5% expansion in 2022, driven by agriculture and mining, according to the World Bank.
The decision on whether George Weah is the right person for the job ultimately rests with the Liberian voters.
