Liberians are set to go back to polls in a months’ time following presidential results announcement on Tuesday, October 24 after a hotly contested poll.
The electoral commission body made the decision after the outcome of the October 10 presidential election outcome.
At the same time, the expected run off comes after a close first round between the incumbent, President George Weah and his main rival Joseph Boakai.
According to the Liberia’s electoral body Weah got 43.83% of the vote while Boakai, a former vice-president, received 43.44%.
Also Read: Former Football Star Weah Seeks Second Term as President
What’s more, the of October 10 election was Liberia’s closest presidential race since a civil war ended two decades ago.
The electoral body has however noted that the second-round election is triggered by the top candidates failing to meet the 50% threshold expected for a declaration of the presidential winner.
Liberia Next Polls
Similarly, Liberia’s head of the electoral commission Davidetta Browne while announcing the results stated the next runoff will in a months’ time.
“The run-off is due to take place on 14 November,” stated Davidetta.
The just concluded elections attracted nineteen candidates.
Also Read: Liberian President George Weah to Seek Re-Election
Past Presidential Elections
According to Liberia’s 2017 election results, Boakai lost by a wide margin to Weah in the first round of the vote.
Weah later won a runoff with 61.5% to Boakai’s 38.5%.
Likewise, Boakai fought this election under the slogan “Rescue” as he accused Weah – a 57-year-old former international football star – of taking Liberia downhill during his first term.
In a rejoinder, Weah dismissed the allegations, saying that he has made significant strides, including introducing free tuition for university students.
Subsequently, Boakai served as vice-president in the government of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
Worth noting, Ellen Johnson was the first female African President, who became Liberia’s head of state after the end of a brutal civil war.
