Liberia’s newly elected but old president is Joseph Boakai, who won the presidential election in November 2023 with 50.64% of the vote. He defeated the incumbent president George Weah, who got 49.36% of the vote. Mr. Boakai is 79 years old and will be the oldest president in Liberia’s history when he takes office on Monday, 22 January 2024.
He was previously the vice-president under Ellen Johnson Sirleaf from 2006 to 2018. Mr. Boakai campaigned on a platform of fighting corruption, improving the economy, and providing better public services. He also promised to reconcile the country after years of civil war and political instability. He received the support of many opposition parties and influential figures, including former rebel leader Prince Johnson, who helped him win votes in the north-eastern region of Nimba.
Mr. Boakai’s victory was seen as a sign of dissatisfaction with Mr. Weah’s administration, which was accused of mismanagement, nepotism, and human rights violations. Many voters also complained about the rising cost of living, the lack of jobs, and the poor state of infrastructure and health care.
