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LIBERIA POLLS: Ex-footballer George Weah in early lead

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Panic in Liberia as Supreme Court halts presidential run-off

George Oppong Weah, former footballer and the only African player to win Ballon d’Or is in the lead as vote counting continues across Liberia following that country’s presidential elections.

Emerging reports indicate that the election is almost certain to go to a run-off with 20 candidates contesting to succeed President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, in a contest that completes the country’s first democratic transition of power in more than 70 years.

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The re-run may be based on preliminary figures according to the state-run Liberia Broadcasting System.

Unofficial early results announced by the station favoured the ex-soccer star Weah of the Coalition for Democratic Change and Vice President Joseph Boakai of the ruling Unity Party.

International observers say the polls went smoothly despite late start to voting in some counties.

This is the second time Weah is making a grab for the presidency having contested against Sirleaf in 2004
At the end of Liberian civil war, Weah announced his intention to run for president in the 2005 elections, forming the Congress for Democratic Change to back his candidacy.

He lost the run-off to Sirleaf on 8 November, garnering only 40.6% to 59.4% for Sirleaf.

 

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