George Weah and Joseph Boakai. Source: Wikimedia Commons

Liberians are looking forward to a runoff election after the National Election commission announced the final progressive votes results yesterday. With 92.98 of the votes counted, the challenger, Joseph Boakai ended the first round with a razor-thin lead over president George Weah who is seeking a another six more years.

The constitution requires that the winning candidate must receive at least 51 per cent of all registered votes cast to be declared president. So far, Ambassador Boakai has received 43.70 per cent to president George Weah at 43.8 per cent. Out of 5,990 polling places a total of 5,467 result have been announced by the National Election Commission (NEC) The remaining votes of 7.02 per cent which are expected to be announced this afternoon are not expected to change a certainty of a future runoff between the presidential candidates.

Thus far, three counties, River Cess, Lofa, and Barpolu have reported 100 per cent of the ballots cast to NEC by yesterday.

Days before the October 10th election, there was a cloud of fear and anxiety hanging over the country. Students were asked to take a week off from school throughout the country. International observers including EU, ECOWAS, The Mano River Union, and other stake holders have been calling for peace and calm in anticipation of the final presidential results. In addition, the US Embassy has announced it will deny travel visa to anyone propagating violence and disruption of peace in the country.

Joseph Warkreh T-Toe
Asso. Editor Emeritus /FTM