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Thousands of Liberians Vote in Peaceful Polls, Counting Starts

Liberians went to the polls to choose their next president, as well as 73 legislators and 15 senators.

Voice of America reports that thousands of voters queued up at polling stations despite delays and procedural issues in the country's fourth national election since the end of the civil war in 2003. Campaigning for the election was marred by political violence, leaving many people injured and at least two dead. However, one observer said the initial processes on election day had been peaceful.

Forty-six political parties are competing for the vote of two million registered voters.

Presidential hopefuls hope to succeed incumbent George Weah, who is seeking a second term. Three candidates stand out as potential opponents for Weah, a former international football star who received more than 61% of the vote in the second round in 2017. When he won the election, there were then great expectations for reform in one of the countries on the planet still reeling from civil war and disease.

However, since the end of its 14-year civil war in 2003, Liberia has never been more polarised. Although the war came to an end with the signing of a peace treaty, its after-effects can still be seen all over the nation. The country of 5.4 million people is once more being torn apart by frustration over the rising cost of living, cronyism, favouritism, nepotism, and the culture of impunity that started the conflict. More than 50% of people are considered poor and the rising cost of basic commodities prevents families from meeting their food needs.

Daily Observer

Voters in Maryland.

InFocus

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