MONROVIA – Votes are being counted after Tuesday’s election with President George Weah of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) seeking a second term.
Local and international election observers said that polling was peaceful, despite clashes between Weah’s supporters and members of the opposition All Liberia Coalition Party (ALCOP) breaking out during the climax of campaign activities at ALCOP headquarters on the Japan Freeway on Sunday, October 8, 2023.
Liberians turned out in large numbers to cast their votes in the general and presidential elections on Tuesday. Reports from our reporters stationed across the country indicate an extraordinary level of voter enthusiasm, both in rural and urban areas, despite some logistical challenges faced in remote regions.
The National Election Commission through its Chairperson, Madam Davidetta Browne-Lansanah said the first results would be announced later on Wednesday, October 11.
President Weah is the favorite to win, with his main challenger seen as former Vice-President Joseph Boakai of the Unity Party.
But a run-off will be held if no candidate secures more than 50% of the votes cast.
About 2.4 million people registered to cast their ballots.
The delivery of election materials to some remote areas in south-east of the country was delayed by floods and muddy roads.
Some canoes that were transporting electoral staff and materials capsized, leading to the loss of the election materials, but the National Elections Commission (NEC) said that voting was extended in those areas.
This is the first time that a generation of young voters, born in peace-time Liberia, voted in national elections.
A brutal civil war, which killed an estimated 250,000 people, ended two decades ago.
The electoral commission is due to begin releasing initial results, but the final announcement will be done within 15 days.
President Weah won his first term in 2017 after securing 61% of the vote in a run-off, defeating Mr Boakai.
The 78-year-old UP standard bearer, Boakai tailored his campaign under the slogan “Rescue”, arguing that the country went downward during Weah’s first six years in office.
President Weah has dismissed his claims, saying that he has made significant strides in his first term, including introducing free tuition for university students.
