In Liberia, George Weah aims for the double

In October, Liberians will vote for their president. The outgoing, George Weah, almost formalized his candidacy on Monday.

Politics is sometimes like a football match: even in difficulty, we always hope for victory. And it is not George Weah, known to be a fighter, who will say the opposite. The president of Liberia is heckled in the local media, especially after his long absence far from the country at the end of last year. The head of state had managed Liberia's day-to-day affairs from abroad and had even taken the luxury of attending the football World Cup to see his son, who was playing for the American team.

In October, Weah will know whether or not he keeps the trust of his people. However, his intentions were still unclear on his possible participation in the presidential election. Especially since, despite his popularity due to his status as a former football star, "Mister George" has not really shone at the head of the country: more than a quarter of the Liberian population lives below the poverty line. and the prices of foodstuffs, especially rice, have exploded.

The ex-attacker will have to play defense

On his way, the former footballer will find his opponent from 2017: Joseph Boakai, former vice-president of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, will undoubtedly be the candidate of the Unity Party. Five years ago, he won 38,46% of the vote. Suffice to say that Weah will have his work cut out for him to win a second election in a row.

A George Weah who has just formalized his candidacy. This Monday, he addressed his future voters to tell them that he would speak “soon” about his candidacy. If the results are mixed, Weah promises a second term "rich in opportunities, a mandate for transformation, a mandate for development" and for "consolidation".

Weah does not want to let go of a position he has coveted since 2005. At the time, he was beaten by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf but still participated in the second round, during which he collected 40,4% of the vote. In 2011, he suffered the same fate against the same opponent. 2023 will be pivotal for him. An anti-Weah front is taking shape. His opponents criticize his record and his inexperience. The ex-striker will also have to play defense. A mission to which he is not necessarily accustomed…