Why George Weah does not need six more years

Liberia, a country located in West Africa, has had its fair share of political instability and economic turmoil. After years of civil wars and coups, the country finally saw a glimmer of hope with the election of former football star George Weah as president in 2017. However, his presidency has been marred by corruption scandals and economic mismanagement, leading many to question whether he should be re-elected in October 2023.

One of the main reasons why President Weah shouldn’t be re-elected is his failure to effectively tackle corruption. Corruption has been a major problem in Liberia for decades, and it was one of the key issues that Weah campaigned on in 2017. However, since taking office, his administration has been plagued by corruption scandals, with numerous officials accused of embezzling public funds. This has led to a lack of trust in the government and a feeling of disillusionment among the Liberian people.

Furthermore, Weah’s economic policies have been criticized for exacerbating the country’s poverty and inequality. Despite promising to tackle unemployment and improve the economy, Liberia’s GDP growth rate has been stagnant under his leadership. The country faces high levels of inflation, rising food prices, and a shortage of basic goods such as fuel and electricity. This has led to protests and unrest, with many Liberians feeling that their lives have not improved under Weah’s presidency.

In addition to these domestic issues, Weah’s foreign policy has also raised concerns. His government has shown a willingness to cozy up to authoritarian regimes, such as China and Russia, at the expense of democratic values and human rights. This has led to criticism from the international community, including the United States, which has historically been a close ally of Liberia.

Another reason why Weah shouldn’t be re-elected is his lack of political experience and competence. While Weah was undoubtedly a popular figure in Liberia due to his status as a football star, he had no prior political experience before becoming president. This has led to criticisms that he lacks the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively govern a country. Indeed, some of his decisions and statements have been widely mocked, such as his suggestion that building a new city would solve Liberia’s problems.

Furthermore, Weah’s administration has been accused of nepotism and cronyism, with his family members and close associates being appointed to key positions in government. This has led to concerns that he is more focused on rewarding his inner circle than on improving the lives of ordinary Liberians.

Finally, there are concerns over Weah’s commitment to democracy and the rule of law. Since coming to power, he has been accused of using state institutions to silence opposition voices and stifle dissent. This includes cracking down on peaceful protests and arresting journalists who criticize his government. Furthermore, there are fears that he may seek to amend the constitution to extend his term in office, as other African leaders have done in the past.

In conclusion, there are numerous reasons why George Weah should not be re-elected as president of Liberia in October 2023. His failure to tackle corruption, economic mismanagement, and nepotism, as well as his lack of political experience and commitment to democracy, has led to a widespread feeling of disillusionment among the Liberian people. If Liberia is to move forward and build a brighter future, it needs a leader who is competent, ethical, and committed to making positive change for all Liberians.