Two years into the Boakai Administration, Liberian public opinion reflects a nation grappling with enduring political divisions and economic uncertainties. A recent Afrobarometer survey reveals a 50/50 split among citizens regarding the country’s trajectory, a notable shift from the pervasive pessimism that marked the latter years of the previous Weah administration. While this even division suggests a degree of nascent hope under the new leadership, it also underscores the challenges facing President Boakai in unifying a nation still reeling from a tightly contested election. The survey results paint a picture of cautious optimism intertwined with persistent economic concerns, a dynamic that characterizes the current political landscape.
The economic outlook, a key indicator of public sentiment, remains a source of both hope and anxiety for Liberians. Although a slight majority of respondents (48%) describe current economic conditions as “fairly bad” or “very bad,” a significant 61% express optimism about future improvements. This forward-looking perspective, despite present hardships, possibly reflects a degree of confidence in the Boakai administration’s potential to steer the economy towards recovery. However, the near-even split in assessments of current economic conditions reveals a palpable sense of precariousness, indicating that the government must demonstrate tangible economic progress to solidify public trust.
Personal living conditions, another crucial measure of well-being, mirror the divided opinions on the nation’s overall trajectory. With 46% of respondents rating their personal situation negatively and an equal percentage expressing a positive view, the survey highlights the uneven distribution of economic progress. This parity reinforces the need for inclusive growth policies that address the needs of all segments of society, ensuring that the benefits of economic recovery reach those who are currently struggling. The Boakai administration’s success hinges on its ability to bridge this divide and create a more equitable economic landscape.
The survey, conducted by the Center for Democratic Governance (CDG) for Afrobarometer, involved 1,200 adult participants across Liberia. The timing of the fieldwork, between July 30 and August 21, 2024, captures public sentiment approximately nine months after President Boakai assumed office. This timeframe allows for a preliminary assessment of the administration’s performance, acknowledging that meaningful change takes time. However, the survey also serves as a timely reminder of the high expectations placed upon the new government, especially given the narrow margin of victory in the 2023 elections.
The 2023 presidential election, a closely contested race that ultimately saw former President Weah concede defeat to Joseph Boakai, serves as a crucial backdrop for understanding the current political climate. The narrow 51% to 49% victory for Boakai not only reflects the deep political polarization within the nation but also highlights the immense pressure on the new administration to deliver on its promises. The legacy of the Weah administration, marked by declining optimism about the country’s direction and widespread economic hardship, looms large. Boakai’s government must navigate these existing challenges while simultaneously forging a new path towards unity and prosperity.
The survey results, while offering a snapshot of current public opinion, also underscore the critical need for ongoing dialogue and engagement between the government and its citizens. Concerns raised by critics, including Noah Zawu Gibson, Deputy Director General for Operations at the National Transit Authority, and members of the business community, emphasize the importance of addressing economic challenges decisively. The Boakai administration must take proactive steps to foster economic growth, improve living conditions, and ultimately, unite a nation divided by political fissures and economic anxieties. The next two years of the Boakai presidency will be a crucial test of its ability to deliver on the promises of change and usher in an era of greater prosperity and unity for all Liberians.
