Liberia: Vice president bows to election defeat

By Evelyn Kpadeh Seagbeh

MONROVIA, Liberia (AA) - Liberia’s vice president on Friday conceded defeat and congratulated former football star George Weah for winning Tuesday’s polls.

Addressing supporters in the capital Monrovia, Joseph Boakai promised to provide support and assistance to Weah if necessary, but also stressed the country’s economic woes and the challenges that lay ahead.

“We all are passengers on this big ship called Liberia, and even though I will not be the captain of this ship, it is my desire that the ship always sails smoothly,” said Boakai.

“My name will not be used as an excuse for one drop of human blood to be spilled in this country. My work and ambition to serve will never push me to stoop so low to violence,” he pledged.

He told supporters that what he sought was not power or titles, but an opportunity to serve, adding that he respects the will of the Liberian people and supports peace and stability.

Boakai called on other politicians to do the same, and thanked the country for permitting him to serve for 12 years as vice president.

Weah defeated Boakai, winning 61.5 percent of the vote in preliminary results announced Thursday.

The National Election Commission is expected to announce the final result of the polls later today.

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa's first elected female president, will end her second six-year term in January.