Liberia's President George Weah has conceded defeat to opposition leader Joseph Boakai, marking a win for democracy in West Africa. In a tight race, Boakai emerged as the winner with 50.9% of the vote, while Weah received 49.1%. This is a stark turnaround from the 2017 election when Weah, a former soccer legend, won with 62% of the vote against Boakai. Weah called Boakai to congratulate him on his victory and urged his supporters to accept the election results. This concession paves the way for Liberia's second democratic transfer of power in over seven decades. The results have been met with celebration by Boakai's supporters in the capital, Monrovia. However, Boakai faces major national challenges including high poverty rates, unemployment, food insecurity, and poor electricity supply. Boakai expressed his commitment to peace and reconciliation and stated that he has a job to do as the newly elected president.