More than 2.4 million Liberian citizens will on Tuesday October 10, participate in elections to choose their president and members of the legislature.

Currently, there are 19 candidates vying for the presidency, with the incumbent President George Weah of the Coalition of Democratic Change (CDC) seeking a second six-year term.

Among the leading contenders are former Vice President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and businessman Alexander Cummings. Both Boakai and Cummings were previously part of a four-party opposition alliance known as the Coalition of Political Parties (CPP).

However, the coalition has since disbanded due to reported disagreements over the allocation of the presidential ticket for this election cycle.

Additionally, Tiawan Gongloe, a renowned human rights lawyer and law professor, is in the race representing the Liberian People's Party.

Gongloe previously served as the country's solicitor general during the administration of former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, who made history as Africa's first elected female leader in 2006.

However, gender inclusivity in politics remains a challenge in many parts of the continent, including Liberia. Out of the 20 presidential contenders in Tuesday's election, only two are women, one of whom is Sara Nyanti, a former deputy special representative in the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.

George Weah

Running for a second term, President Weah has confidently stated his intention to secure an outright victory in the initial round of elections. Weah has held the presidency since 2017 and is seeking re-election as the candidate for the Coalition of Democratic Change (CDC).

Weah's running mate remains the current vice president, Jewel Howard-Taylor, who was previously married to former president Charles Taylor, now serving a 50-year sentence for crimes against humanity committed in neighboring Sierra Leone, in a British prison.

At 57 years old, Weah is banking on his track record, citing achievements such as the implementation of a tuition-free program for undergraduate students at public universities in 2018. His government also covers the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) fees for 9th and 12th graders in public schools.

Additionally, the administration has expanded access to electricity and reduced costs from 38 cents per kilowatt to an average of 15 cents per kilowatt. The government has undertaken several road construction projects across the country.

However, critics argue that corruption has been pervasive during Weah's tenure. They also highlight concerns about the state of the economy and the rising cost of food, which led to protests in December of the previous year and in June of 2019, reflecting what they perceive as government shortcomings.

In his manifesto, President Weah pledges to decrease out-of-pocket expenses for medical care through the establishment of a mandatory social health insurance scheme. He also commits to providing off-the-grid solar energy for public hospitals and secondary schools.

Furthermore, his promises include creating sustainable employment opportunities by formalizing artisanal and small-scale mining activities and providing training in sexual and gender-based violence for public prosecutors.

Joseph Boakai

With decades of experience within Liberia's public sector, Joseph Nyuma Boakai enjoys extensive name recognition and is now setting his sights on the presidency as a candidate for the Unity Party (UP). The 78-year-old previously held the position of Minister of Agriculture from 1983 to 1985 and served as Vice President from 2006 to 2018 under President Johnson-Sirleaf.

In this election year, Boakai has forged an alliance with the Movement for Democracy and Reconstruction (MDR), a party founded by former warlord-turned-senator Prince Johnson. Consequently, Boakai has selected MDR senator Jeremiah Koung as his running mate. Both Johnson and Koung originate from and hold significant sway in Nimba, the country's second most populous county. Notably, MDR had previously formed an alliance with the CDC in 2017, supporting the CDC in the second round of elections that ultimately led to George Weah's victory. This alliance dissolved in 2022 due to Johnson's complaints about the lack of job opportunities for his constituency.

For many observers, Boakai's second bid for the presidency represents a rematch with Weah, as both candidates faced off in the 2017 elections. Neither candidate secured the required absolute majority in the first round, leading to a runoff election, which Weah ultimately won.

Drawing on his extensive experience, Boakai has prioritized agriculture as a central campaign issue, pledging to boost domestic rice production and establish three agricultural machinery hubs within the country. He has also committed to improving infrastructure by paving highways that connect county capitals and facilitate cross-border trade with neighboring countries.

Additionally, the former vice president has promised to collaborate with the legislature to establish a specialized court to expedite cases related to corruption and economic crimes. He also intends to support the private sector in developing initiatives to recycle solid waste into renewable energy.

Nonetheless, critics have raised concerns about Boakai's age, arguing that, at 78 years old, he may be too elderly to effectively govern. Boakai has denied facing health challenges, despite such allegations.

Alexander Cummings

Alexander Cummings initially gained prominence in Liberian politics when he ran for the presidency in 2017, securing fifth place in the election. This year, he is once again vying for the presidency as a candidate of the Collaborating Political Party (CPP), a coalition consisting of Cummings' Alternative National Congress and the Liberty Party.

At 57 years of age, Cummings brings a wealth of corporate experience to his political career. He served as the head of Coca-Cola's African subsidiary from 2001 to 2008 and subsequently held the position of global Chief Administrative Officer until his retirement in 2016.

During his tenure at Coca-Cola, Cummings played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Africa Foundation, which contributed significantly to the continent's response to the HIV/AIDS pandemic. In recognition of his humanitarian efforts, he was honored with Liberia's highest national distinction, the Humane Order of African Redemption, by President Johnson-Sirleaf in 2011.

Cummings has anchored his campaign on the goal of diversifying Liberia's economy. To achieve this, he has pledged to create a $20 million empowerment fund within his first 100 days in office, aimed at supporting women, youth-owned businesses, and farmers. Additionally, he plans to temporarily freeze all existing taxes and regulations for review to foster a more business-friendly environment. He has also advocated for a "buy Liberian" policy to prioritize the purchase of locally-made products, thereby stimulating indigenous businesses.

Furthermore, Cummings has expressed his support for the establishment of a war crimes court to prosecute key individuals involved in Liberia's civil wars of 1989-1997 and 1999-2003.