Liberia Commences Run-Off Election

Liberians go back to the polls to put the destiny and future of Liberia in the hands of one man – it might be the soccer legend and Senator for Montserrado County, George Weah or the current vice president with over 40 years of experience in government, Joseph Boakai.

Weah won the first round of elections on Oct. 10 with 38 per cent of the total votes cast, followed by Boakai who came second with 29 per cent.

But both men fell short of the 50 per cent plus one absolute majority vote required for a winner to emerge in the first round, hence the run-off.

The winner will succeed outgoing President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, who is leaving in January after completing her constitutional 12-year tenure of two terms of six years each.

However, voter turnout was low as at the time of NAN’s visit to the centres, compared to what was obtainable during the Oct. 10 general elections.

There is huge presence of security personnel and at least three queue controllers at each of the centres. Oppong Wennah, a polling staff, told Newsmen that the process had been smooth and fast, but said the turnout was low.

A voter, Dillion Boakai, said he spent less than 20 minutes on queue to cast his vote, unlike what it was on Oct. 10 when he managed to vote after six hours.

Others who spoke to Newsmen said they had no problem with the run-off holding on Boxing Day, noting that it was a necessary price to pay for a peaceful transition of power.