Liberian President, George Weah, has accepted loss to his main challenger in the country’s 2023 presidential election, Joseph Boakai.

Mr Weah, in his address on Friday night, congratulated Mr Boakai on his victory in the tight race.

Earlier, the country’s National Election Commission had noted that Mr Boakai raked in 50.89 percent of the votes with nearly all ballots counted. Mr Weah scored 49.11 per cent.

Speaking on the outcome of the poll, Mr Weah said the people of Liberia had spoken, noting that “we have heard their voice.”

He described Mr Boakai’s lead in the poll as insurmountable.

“I stand before you tonight with a heavy heart, but with the utmost respect for the democratic process that has defined our nation. As your president and the leader of the Coalition for Democratic Change, I want to address you on the outcome of the run-off elections held on November 14, 2023.

“The results announced tonight, though not final, indicate that Ambassador Joseph N. Boakai is in a lead that is insurmountable. A few moments ago, I spoke with President-elect Joseph Boakai to congratulate him on his victory and to offer my sincere commitment to working with him for the betterment of our beloved Liberia.

“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to President-elect Boakai, his supporters, and his campaign team. May his presidency be marked by success for all Liberians, and may our nation prosper under his leadership,” Mr Weah said in the late-night address.

He acknowledged the citizens of Liberia as the true winners of the election, noting that the electoral process brought deep division in the country to the fore.

Mr Weah, a former football star, has been in power since 2018. He will hand over power by January.