Monrovia – In the wake of growing speculations of a potential runoff election between former Vice President Joseph Boakai and the incumbent President, George Weah, there have been reports of opposition Political Party Liberian People’s Party declaring support for the former Vice President.
Preliminary results from the National Elections Commission put President Weah in the lead with 803,956 votes, constituting 43,84% ahead of Boakai who has 796,513 votes, constituting 43.43%.
The Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) of President George Weah and Unity Party (UP) of Ambassador Joseph Nyuma Boakai are expected to go to a runoff due to the failure of both parties to obtain more than 50 percent of the votes tallied, as provided by the New elections law.
On October 22, 2023, a Facebook user identified as Joseph Saybo posted in a private group called Fries FM with over 162 thousands members worldwide on October 22, 2023.
As per the preliminary results by the National Elections Commission, Cllr. Gongloe is currently positioned in fifth place with 26,391 votes representing 1.44% of the total votes count.
Joseph’s exact words were: “Breaking News! The Broom Man has joined the rescue team for the runoff election schedule for November 7, 2023. Thank You for choosing Liberia over stolen money. History will remember you.” His post attracted 1 thousand followers and 348 comments.
To fact-check this claim, we visited the party’s official Facebook page and found a post dated October 23, 2023.
It stated: “It’s decision time! The Liberian People’s Party isn’t a one man show. Decisions are made based on consensus decision-making. Neutrality or the UP or CDC? Stay tuned.”
To further authenticate the claim, our fact-checking desk contacted LPP’s standard bearer, Cllr. Tiawon Gongloe via text who did not deny nor confirmed the claim.
According to Cllr. Gongloe, the party is in consultation with members and supporters in and out of Liberia.
Said Cllr Gongloe: “The party is still holding broad based consultations with its members and supporters in and out of Liberia.”
Conclusion
Based on our research and response from Cllr. Gongloe, we therefore conclude that the claim of LPP’s endorsement of Mr. Boakai is unproven. The LPP has not yet endorsed the “Rescue Team” as claimed by the Facebook user.
Local Voices Liberia, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme, has implemented the iVerify Liberia system with the objective of strengthening capacities to address threats to information integrity, especially in view of the upcoming 2023 elections, to ensure all Liberian citizens have access to credible, reliable and verified information, everywhere and at all times.
This initiative is funded by Irish Aid, Embassy of Sweden in Monrovia, European Union Delegation in Liberia and the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund. The donors have no say in the production of this fact check report.
