Liberia

In November, Liberian President George Weah astonished many observers both at home and abroad by conceding defeat to opposition candidate Joseph Boakai in the second round of the country’s presidential election, a move that stands in stark contrast to the recent coups and democratic erosion seen elsewhere in West Africa.

Liberia is scheduled to hold its next general election in October, a vote that will determine the country’s next president and its national lawmakers. Amid domestic challenges, as well as a growing fear of democratic backsliding in the region, the upcoming polls could have major domestic and regional ramifications.