Liberia: Runoff election to be held December 26 /update 13

Event

The presidential runoff election will be held on Tuesday, December 26. Liberians will vote between former soccer player George Weah (Coalition for Democratic Change party) and Vice President Joseph Boakai (ruling Unity Party).

Political rallies and protests, as well as related traffic disruptions, are likely leading up to the vote. According to the National Elections Commission (NEC), however, campaigning must end by Sunday, December 24.

Context

The victor of next Tuesday's vote will replace current President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who has served two complete terms and will step down from office on January 18.

The second round of voting was initially scheduled for November 7. However, the Liberty Party filed a formal complaint with the NEC in late October, followed by the ruling Unity Party and the All Liberian Party, demanding that the October 10 vote be annulled. The second round was postponed while the commission investigated the claims of fraud, which were eventually discarded.

Advice

Individuals present in Liberia are advised to monitor local news and to avoid any political rallies or protests, as violence may flare up without warning.