Meet Liberia’s President – Elect Joseph Boakai

Joseph Boakai is expected to win the presidency in Liberia after incumbent leader George Weah conceded defeat.

Election officials reported that after 99.58 percent of the votes cast in Tuesday’s election were counted, Boakai had 50.89% of the total, compared to Weah’s 49.11%.

Here’s what we know about him:

1. Joseph Boakai was born in the remote village of Worsonga in Foya District, Lofa County, on 30 November 1944.
2. Boakai is a deacon of the Effort Baptist Church.
3. He is married to Kartumu Boakai and they have four children.
4. He is a Liberian politician with four decades of political experience.
5. He previously served as the 29th vice president of Liberia from 2006 to 2018 under President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
6. He served as the Minister of Agriculture from 1983 to 1985 under President Samuel Doe.
7. He ran for president in 2017 but lost to George Weah
8. His website lists 58 achievements, ranging from championing community colleges to reconciling various disputes around Liberia.
9. He will officially assume office in January 2024 when he is sworn in.
10. Mr Joseph has a degree in business administration at the University of Liberia.