Video

Takeaways from Liberia's 2023 Presidential Elections and Reflections on Democracy in West Africa

December 5, 202322:21

Liberia conducted tightly contested national elections on October 10 and presidential run-off elections on November 14. The incumbent president George Weah conceded defeat in his bid for a second-term, after a tight run-off against the opposition candidate and political veteran, Joseph Bokai. This action marked a notable peaceful transition of power at a time when many West African countries have endured a resurgence of military coups, manipulation of presidential term limits, and elections plagued by allegations of misconduct. Wilson Center Africa Program director, Oge Onubogu sat down with respected political scientist Prof. Attahiru Jega who led the ECOWAS Election Observer Delegation to the Liberian elections to discuss the outcomes of the elections and the future of representative government in West Africa.

Guest

Prof. Attahiru Muhammadu Jega

Former Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission of Nigeria; Head of the ECOWAS Election Observer Delegation to the Liberian Elections

Moderator

Oge Onubogu

Director, Africa Program

Hosted By

Africa Program

The Africa Program works to address the most critical issues facing Africa and US-Africa relations, build mutually beneficial US-Africa relations, and enhance knowledge and understanding about Africa in the United States. The Program achieves its mission through in-depth research and analyses, public discussion, working groups, and briefings that bring together policymakers, practitioners, and subject matter experts to analyze and offer practical options for tackling key challenges in Africa and in US-Africa relations. Read more