MONROVIA, LIBERIA-Liberians across the country on November 14 went to the poll in a presidential runoff election after the first round on October 10.  

 Incumbent President George Weah of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) and former Vice President Joseph Boakai of the Unity Party (UP) are in the run-off because neither of them got the 50% plus one vote to win the October 10 Elections.

The winner of the run-off election will lead the country for the next six years.   On Tuesday, some of those who formed part of the election were first-time voters; several of them expressed excitement as they visited the polls to exercise their political rights.

Speaking to journalists in Monrovia on Tuesday, November 14, 2023, after voting, most of whom were students, lauded the staff of the National Elections Commission (NEC) for the smooth conduct of the presidential Run-Off Elections.

According to them, the Presidential Run-Off Election is very calm and peaceful relative to the October 10 polls which they described as overcrowded and tense.

Charlyn, a student and first-time voter said it was a wonderful experience to have participated in a democratic process in deciding the fate of the country. “I voted for who I wanted to vote for today; I was not under any pressure because the process was peaceful,” she said.

According to another first-time voter Emmanuel Dahn, the vote cast will serve as a means to ensure the growth and development of Liberia.   “I felt good because I voted for my future. I don’t want to be left behind,” he said.

At the same time, comparing their experience from the general elections with the presidential Run-Off Elections, they said voting during the run-off election is relatively easy and calm.

They also pointed out several reasons, including overcrowded voting precincts, which led to a series of difficulties they experienced during the first round of the elections.

By: Grace Moleyeaze