President–elect George Weah has described his election as Liberia’s 24th President as ‘a moment to unite the country.’
Speaking shortly after he was certificated by the National Elections Commission on Thursday, the leader of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) promised to protect free speech and encourage the right to political affiliate association.
In the December 26, 2017 presidential runoff election, the CDC candidate defeated current Vice President Joseph Boakai by 61.5%-38.% of the total votes cast in an election described by local and international observers as peaceful, transparent, orderly and credible.
Weah said people will be allowed to associate with political parties of their choice, regardless of their employment status in government.
The soccer legend, now President-elect said any attempt to clamp down of the political rights of Liberians has the propensity to divide the country.
Speaking on behalf of the elected lawmakers, the current Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hans Barchue promised to work with the CDC-led government.
During the program, 66 newly elected Representatives were certificated because the other seven were still locked up in legal challenges of their election results.
In all, Liberia has a total of 73 Representatives.
NEC Chairman Cllr Jerome Korkoya told the certificated winners that the mantle of authority entrusted to them as elected President, Vice President and representatives comes with great deal of expectations and responsibilities.
He reminded them that there will be high expectations to change the living conditions of the people through the enactment of laws and programs.
The program was graced by large crowd of people including current and former government officials as well as internationals from the diplomatic corps and international organizations. Report by Augutine Octavius