Election Season is Finally Over

For much of the year of 2017 it has felt as if much in Liberia, whether it be personal, private, or corporate endeavors have hung in a palpable air of hesitancy. One simply grew accustomed to hearing "We waiting to see about this election oh!" and with that one knew to simply check back in November. 

Then November came.  Although the seasons didn't change and in fact November in Liberia means that dry season is officially fully underway, people's expectations still dangled in the Harmattan fog as folks waited to hear back from the National Elections Commission and/or the Supreme Court. No one anticipated the judicial challenge to the democratic process that was brought to the forefront by the 3rd runner-up in the 1st round, Mr. Charles Brumskine.  Everyone however, seemed to appreciate the test of legitimacy and faith in the Liberian legal process the situation offered.  

Finally, on December 26th the Liberian population went to the polls for the 2nd time; voter turnout no doubt compromised by the impromptu holiday time scheduling.  

On Monday, January 22nd, 2018 Liberian history was made and for the first time since 1944 there was a peaceful transition of leadership through an election process.  President George Weah, if anything, has proven a significant degree of mental fortitude, persistence, and determination as evidenced by his 2 previous bids for presidency.  His life story, certainly is the stuff legends are made of and we all await to see how he will build upon the last 12 years of peace and development.