Liberia / Electoral Campaign: President George Weah running for presidency, voter mobilization at its peak

The general elections in Liberia, scheduled for 10 October 2023, will be marked by the candidacy of the incumbent President George Weah, who is seeking a second term in office. The electoral campaign, which began on 5 August, ended at midnight on Sunday 08 October, after weeks of intense mobilisation. With nearly 2.4 million voters called to the polls, the election is not just about the presidency, but also about the choice of representatives to the Assembly and the Senate.

Facing incumbent President George Weah, 19 other candidates have taken up the challenge, striving to win over voters throughout this prolonged election campaign. The final stretch of the campaign took place on Sunday in pouring rain in Monrovia, Liberia’s capital. However, the enthusiasm of supporters of all political persuasions remained undimmed. Caravans criss-crossed the streets of the city centre, demonstrating fervent support for the various candidates.

The stakes are higher than just the presidential election, as voters will also be choosing their representatives in the Assembly and Senate. Smaller candidates with significant local influence have stepped up their grassroots efforts in the final days of the election campaign.

As the ballot boxes prepare to receive the votes of millions of Liberians in a few hours’ time (10 October), the outcome of these elections will determine Liberia’s political landscape for years to come. The stakes are high, and the diversity of the candidates suggests a dynamic democracy, with crucial choices before the electorate. The presidential election is under particular scrutiny, as President George Weah, in his rightful position, aspires to continue in office.

Juste