Amos Claudius Sawyer Foundation Hails Liberians for Holding Peaceful Elections

By Samuel Ouma

The Amos Claudius Sawyer Foundation has lauded Liberians for maintaining peace and practising their democratic rights in the recently concluded presidential elections.

In a statement, Frantz Sawyer said Liberians showed the world the political maturity of the country and their hunger for progress.

“The voice of the Liberian people have been heard, and their vote respected. This has resulted in the election of a new President. The Liberian people are to be commended for their unwavering commitment to democracy,” said Frantz Sawyer.

Liberia held presidential run-off polls on November 14 in which the incumbent George Weah and political veteran Joseph Boakai locked horns.

After a vigorous exercise, Joseph Boakai was declared the winner by Liberia’s National Electoral Commission (NEC).

According to the commission, Boakai won with 50.64 per cent of the vote, against 49.36 per cent of the vote for Weah.

In the first round on October 10, Weah, 57, got 43.83 per cent of the vote and Boakai, 78, garnered 43.44 per cent. A run-off was called after none of the candidates met the threshold required by the country's constitution.

President Weah conceded defeat, a move that has been hailed by international leaders as well as the Amos Claudius Sawyer Foundation.

“President Weah’s statesmanship in the conceding and his commitment to a peaceful handover of power, reflect political maturity and a deep understanding of the principles that are key ingredients needed to positively change the course of Liberia’s fragile democracy. We commend President Weah for said action,” added Frantz.

While congratulating the President-elect, Frantz Sawyer called for unity, transparency and inclusivity as the West African nation ushers in new leadership.

He also asked the incoming leadership to embrace unity to bring together the already divided Liberians.

“The turbulent undercurrents of destitution must be calmed while addressing lingering socio-economic and political divisions within the nation,” he said.

At the same time, Frantz Sawyer urged the outgoing and incoming administrations to set an example by working together and with inclusivity to facilitate a seamless transition.

He further calls for open and honest communication during the transition to ensure that the president-elect and his team have the necessary information about past decisions, build on the Weah administration's success, and respond to changing needs.