The American government has congratulated Liberia on its successful election for the first peaceful democratic transition in decades.

Liberians on December 26 voted in a runoff presidential election, marking the beginning of its first post-war democratic transition and peaceful transfer of executive powers from one elected government to another in decades.

The president-elect, George Weah of the Coalition for Democratic Change, won with 61.5 percent of the total valid voted over his opponent, Vice President Joseph Boakai, who won with 38.5 percent of the total valid votes.

Weah and Boakai were qualified to participate in the runoff after winning 38 percent and 28 percent of the first round of the polls on October 10, among 20 presidential candidates.

According to a release from the White House press secretary, the United States commends the National Elections Commission for administering the election in an orderly manner.

“We also recognize the important role Liberia’s Supreme Court, political parties, security forces, and civil society organizations played in holding a peaceful and transparent contest, and we welcome the statements by international and domestic observer missions affirming the conduct of the election,” the release said.

The U.S. government also hailed Boakai for his “positive campaign” and years of honorable service to Liberia.

The country recommitted to continuing its longstanding relationship with Liberia and its people.

“We will continue to support the success of this historic democratic transition and the peace and prosperity of Liberia,” the statement also read.

Featured photo by Diego Cambiaso