Liberian President George Weah gracefully concedes defeat in closely contested election

Liberian President George Weah conceded defeat in the runoff election after provisional results showed challenger Joseph Boakai leading by just over a percentage point. Weah urged the nation to accept the election results and expressed respect for the democratic process. This concession comes amid concerns about declining democracy in West Africa. Weah, a former international soccer star, won the 2017 election but has faced criticism for not fulfilling campaign promises. Boakai, who served as vice president under Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, gained support from other candidates and was seen as a viable alternative due to public disaffection with Weah's administration.