Peaceful, Transparent Presidential Elections in Liberia Confirm Steady March towards Lasting Stability, Development, Secretary-General Says

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement by the National Elections Commission on 29 December of the final results of the presidential run-off election in Liberia.  He congratulates George Weah on his election as the next President of the Republic of Liberia and commends Vice-President Joseph Boakai for conceding defeat.

The Secretary-General applauds all Liberians for the successful completion of the elections process, which was conducted in a peaceful environment.  He commends the work of the national, regional and international electoral observation teams.

The Secretary-General appreciates the efforts of former President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, a member of his High-level Advisory Board, and welcomes the steadfast good offices of his Special Representatives Farid Zarif of the United Nations Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) and Mohammed ibn Chambas of the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS).

The Secretary-General notes that the conclusion of peaceful, transparent, free and fair elections confirms Liberia’s steady march towards lasting peace, stability and development.  He notes that the challenges that lie ahead are significant and will require unity of purpose by the President-elect and his Government, as well as all political stakeholders.  The Secretary-General looks forward to working closely with the President-elect and the people of Liberia towards the consolidation of peace and economic development.