Joseph Boakai was declared as the winner of Liberia's presidential polls with 50.64 per cent of the vote, unseating President George Weah who got 49.36 per cent, the country's electoral commission announced on Monday (Nov 20) after completing the ballot tally.

Davidetta Browne Lansanah, president of the commission, during a press briefing, said that Boakai won the elections with a margin of 20,567 votes.

Former international football star Weah had already conceded defeat on Friday (Nov 17) taking into consideration the results of more than 99.98 per cent of the polling stations, saying that it was "time to put national interest above personal interest".

"The results announced tonight, though not final, indicate that... Boakai is in a lead that we cannot surpass," Weah said in a speech on national radio late on Friday.

He said his CDC party "has lost the election but Liberia has won," adding: "This is the time for graciousness in defeat".

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<h2>Biden congratulates Boakai&nbsp;</h2>

US President Joe Biden on Monday (Nov 20)&nbsp;congratulated&nbsp;Boakai&nbsp;for winning the presidential elections while also commending incumbent&nbsp;Weah for respecting the "will of people".

"I congratulate Joseph Boakai on his election to be the next president of Liberia," Biden said in a statement. "I also want to commend President Weah for respecting the will of the people, and putting patriotism above politics."

Earlier, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller congratulated Boakai on his victory and President Weah for his "peaceful acceptance of the results".

"We call on all citizens to follow President Weah's example and accept the results," Miller said in a statement.

Earlier, Weah said that he had spoken to Boakai "to congratulate him on his victory".

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"The Liberian people have spoken, and we have heard their voice. However, the closeness of the results reveals a deep division within our country," Weah said in his speech.

"Let us heal the divisions caused by the campaign and come together as one nation and one united people."

Weah, who will continue to remain in power until the power is handed over in January, vowed to continue working "for the good of Liberia".

(With inputs from agencies)

Joseph Boakai was declared as the winner of Liberia's presidential polls with 50.64 per cent of the vote, unseating President George Weah who got 49.36 per cent, the country's electoral commission announced on Monday (Nov 20) after completing the ballot tally.

Joseph Boakai was declared as the winner of Liberia's presidential polls with 50.64 per cent of the vote, unseating President George Weah who got 49.36 per cent, the country's electoral commission announced on Monday (Nov 20) after completing the ballot tally. Davidetta Browne Lansanah, president of the commission, during a press briefing, said that Boakai won the elections with a margin of 20,567 votes. Former international football star Weah had already conceded defeat on Friday (Nov 17) taking into consideration the results of more than 99.98 per cent of the polling stations, saying that it was "time to put national interest above personal interest". "The results announced tonight, though not final, indicate that... Boakai is in a lead that we cannot surpass," Weah said in a speech on national radio late on Friday. He said his CDC party "has lost the election but Liberia has won," adding: "This is the time for graciousness in defeat". Also read: Royal Navy’s submarine averts tragedy, 140 crew on board escape death: Report Biden congratulates Boakai US President Joe Biden on Monday (Nov 20) congratulated Boakai for winning the presidential elections while also commending incumbent Weah for respecting the "will of people". "I congratulate Joseph Boakai on his election to be the next president of Liberia," Biden said in a statement. "I also want to commend President Weah for respecting the will of the people, and putting patriotism above politics." Earlier, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller congratulated Boakai on his victory and President Weah for his "peaceful acceptance of the results". "We call on all citizens to follow President Weah's example and accept the results," Miller said in a statement. Earlier, Weah said that he had spoken to Boakai "to congratulate him on his victory". Also read: Over 200 Italian mobsters convicted in mafia 'maxi trial' "The Liberian people have spoken, and we have heard their voice. However, the closeness of the results reveals a deep division within our country," Weah said in his speech. "Let us heal the divisions caused by the campaign and come together as one nation and one united people." Weah, who will continue to remain in power until the power is handed over in January, vowed to continue working "for the good of Liberia". (With inputs from agencies)

Joseph Boakai declared winner of Liberia presidential election

Liberian president George Weah concedes defeat to opposition leader and his arch-rival Joseph Boakai in a closely fought electoral battle. The election result ends Weah's presidency marred by serious allegations of grafting in 2017.

Liberia elections: Joseph Boakai set to lead Liberia as President

Liberia elections 2023: George Weah's tenure marred by grafting charges

Former football star George Weah is running for a second six-year term as Liberia's president, but he appears to have scored an own goal by failing to engage with the topic that is dominating the air waves and mood on the streets - demands to set up an economic and war crimes court. He still has an in-tray of challenges if he is re-elected.

Liberia: High stakes elections | World of Africa

Liberia’s President, George Weah, has been out of the country for a month and is expected to continue his travels for the next two weeks. He is in Qatar to encourage his son who does not even play for the Liberian team at the world cup. Monrovians are angry at their leader, they say he has neglected his duties as president and left its people vulnerable.

World of Africa: Liberian President faces heat over his foreign trips

A fire at a Koranic school near the Liberian capital Monrovia has killed at least 26 children, and two teachers, the president's office said on Wednesday.

Emergency services told President George Weah that 28 people died overnight, his spokesman Solo Kelgbeh told AFP, as the president visited the site in Paynesville, on the outskirts of the capital.

The fire struck while the children were asleep, said Fulani community official Amadou Sherrif.

"My prayers go out to the families of the children that died last night in Paynesville City as a result of a deadly fire that engulfed their school building," Weah tweeted.

"This is a tough time for the families of the victims and all of Liberia."

Relatives on Wednesday gathered outside the yellow and green entrance to the building, which housed a school and boarding school, whose sheet metal roof was burnt.

A fire at a Koranic school near the Liberian capital Monrovia has killed at least 26 children, and two teachers, the president's office said on Wednesday. Emergency services told President George Weah that 28 people died overnight, his spokesman Solo Kelgbeh told AFP, as the president visited the site in Paynesville, on the outskirts of the capital.

A fire at a Koranic school near the Liberian capital Monrovia has killed at least 26 children, and two teachers, the president's office said on Wednesday. Emergency services told President George Weah that 28 people died overnight, his spokesman Solo Kelgbeh told AFP, as the president visited the site in Paynesville, on the outskirts of the capital. The fire struck while the children were asleep, said Fulani community official Amadou Sherrif. "My prayers go out to the families of the children that died last night in Paynesville City as a result of a deadly fire that engulfed their school building," Weah tweeted. "This is a tough time for the families of the victims and all of Liberia." Relatives on Wednesday gathered outside the yellow and green entrance to the building, which housed a school and boarding school, whose sheet metal roof was burnt.

Liberia school fire kills at least 26 children: presidency

Thousands of people took to the streets of Liberia's capital Monrovia Friday to protest rising prices and corruption, posing a key political test for President George Weah.

The football icon is being challenged over the same issues on which he campaigned in his rise to the presidency of the impoverished West African state just 18 months ago.&nbsp;

About 10,000 people took part in the demonstration, according to an AFP count, while a police official put the turnout at around 4,000.

Some held aloft placards reading, "We are tired of suffering" and "We want better living conditions."

The mood was upbeat, with people dancing and singing. But in a country traumatised by years of civil war, many braced for possible clashes, and some stocked up on food, fearing prolonged disruption.&nbsp;

Twitter and Facebook, widely used by protest organisers, were down.

"I am staying home to make sure that my kids don’t get in the streets. I have good reasons to be scared. In the history of this country all of our big crises started with demonstrations and ended in serious violence," Mustafa Kanneh, 43, told AFP.&nbsp;

The UN's special envoy to West Africa and the Sahel, Mohammed Ibn Chambas, said last month he feared the authorities did not have the means to successfully manage large-scale protests.

"The capacity of the Liberian state is still quite limited... There are serious logistics and financial challenges," he told a local daily.

The coalition that organised the march, the Council of Patriots, comprises dozens of civil society groups as well as politicians.

On Thursday, Weah issued a statement defending his record, blaming past governments for the country's entrenched problems and sternly warning the protest organisers.

"You can say whatever you want to, but be warned that cusses, insults and incitement of violence will never again be permitted under my administration," he said.

Weah's woes

Weah, 52, is revered in Liberia and beyond for blazing a trail for African footballers in Europe.

But he is struggling to revive a country that is one of the poorest in the world and still traumatised by back-to-back civil wars between 1989 and 2003 that claimed a quarter of a million lives.

Rising prices are a major source of discontent.

"Before, 500 LD (500 Liberian dollars -- $2.5, 2.3 euros) was enough to adequately feed my family each day," said Angeline Flomo, a 35-year-old housewife and mother-of-four.

"Now, 1,000 LD can’t feed us. This is how bad things have become. A bag of 25 kilos (55 pounds) of rice used to sell for 1,500 LD, now it is 2,800 to 3,000 LD. We are finding it difficult to make ends meet."

Fingers are being pointed at past and present managers of the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL).

Last October, rumours swirled that newly-printed Liberian dollars worth US $102 million, intended for the CBL's reserves, had disappeared shortly after arrival from abroad.

Charles Sirleaf -- the son of former president and Nobel laureate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf -- was detained in March with two other CBL figures.

An independent probe found no money was missing, but flagged "concerns regarding the overall accuracy and completeness of the CBL's internal records."&nbsp;

More irregularities came to light related to a cash injection of $25 million that Weah ordered in July 2018 to mop up excess Liberian dollars and bring inflation under control.

Weah says he is aware of the burden of ordinary people, and improvement to health, education and roads remain his priorities.

"We have done much over the short time to (address) bad conditions, which of course are not our making," he said Thursday.&nbsp;

"We met the hardship and inherited all the bad conditions and without making excuses, we are solving them."

Weah maintains Liberia will benefit from an International Monetary Fund aid programme, but experts say IMF support typically comes with demands for reform and belt-tightening.

Thousands of people took to the streets of Liberia's capital Monrovia Friday to protest rising prices and corruption, posing a key political test for President George Weah.

Thousands of people took to the streets of Liberia's capital Monrovia Friday to protest rising prices and corruption, posing a key political test for President George Weah. The football icon is being challenged over the same issues on which he campaigned in his rise to the presidency of the impoverished West African state just 18 months ago. About 10,000 people took part in the demonstration, according to an AFP count, while a police official put the turnout at around 4,000. Some held aloft placards reading, "We are tired of suffering" and "We want better living conditions." The mood was upbeat, with people dancing and singing. But in a country traumatised by years of civil war, many braced for possible clashes, and some stocked up on food, fearing prolonged disruption. Twitter and Facebook, widely used by protest organisers, were down. "I am staying home to make sure that my kids don’t get in the streets. I have good reasons to be scared. In the history of this country all of our big crises started with demonstrations and ended in serious violence," Mustafa Kanneh, 43, told AFP. The UN's special envoy to West Africa and the Sahel, Mohammed Ibn Chambas, said last month he feared the authorities did not have the means to successfully manage large-scale protests. "The capacity of the Liberian state is still quite limited... There are serious logistics and financial challenges," he told a local daily. The coalition that organised the march, the Council of Patriots, comprises dozens of civil society groups as well as politicians. On Thursday, Weah issued a statement defending his record, blaming past governments for the country's entrenched problems and sternly warning the protest organisers. "You can say whatever you want to, but be warned that cusses, insults and incitement of violence will never again be permitted under my administration," he said. Weah's woes Weah, 52, is revered in Liberia and beyond for blazing a trail for African footballers in Europe. But he is struggling to revive a country that is one of the poorest in the world and still traumatised by back-to-back civil wars between 1989 and 2003 that claimed a quarter of a million lives. Rising prices are a major source of discontent. "Before, 500 LD (500 Liberian dollars -- $2.5, 2.3 euros) was enough to adequately feed my family each day," said Angeline Flomo, a 35-year-old housewife and mother-of-four. "Now, 1,000 LD can’t feed us. This is how bad things have become. A bag of 25 kilos (55 pounds) of rice used to sell for 1,500 LD, now it is 2,800 to 3,000 LD. We are finding it difficult to make ends meet." Fingers are being pointed at past and present managers of the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL). Last October, rumours swirled that newly-printed Liberian dollars worth US $102 million, intended for the CBL's reserves, had disappeared shortly after arrival from abroad. Charles Sirleaf -- the son of former president and Nobel laureate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf -- was detained in March with two other CBL figures. An independent probe found no money was missing, but flagged "concerns regarding the overall accuracy and completeness of the CBL's internal records." More irregularities came to light related to a cash injection of $25 million that Weah ordered in July 2018 to mop up excess Liberian dollars and bring inflation under control. Weah says he is aware of the burden of ordinary people, and improvement to health, education and roads remain his priorities. "We have done much over the short time to (address) bad conditions, which of course are not our making," he said Thursday. "We met the hardship and inherited all the bad conditions and without making excuses, we are solving them." Weah maintains Liberia will benefit from an International Monetary Fund aid programme, but experts say IMF support typically comes with demands for reform and belt-tightening.

Thousands protest price hikes, corruption in Liberia

Timothy Weah will leave French champions <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/psg-return-to-winning-ways-with-1-0-triumph-over-nantes-185992">Paris St Germain</a> on loan for six months in January, the US&nbsp;striker said on Tuesday.

British media reported the 18-year-old was set to join Scottish champions Celtic.

Weah has played only three times for PSG this season as bigger names such as Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani have limited his first-team chances.

In a message posted in French on his Instagram page, Weah thanked his PSG team mates, the coaching staff and supporters for making him feel part from the family.

"These few months have been great even though I haven't played much," Weah said. "I've always been grateful for the opportunities I had at the beginning of the season because it opened me many doors this winter.

"I hope after these six months, I will be ready to return to the Parc des Princes and give everything for you, proud to be Parisian."

Since making his international debut in March, Weah has chalked up more appearances for the US&nbsp;than for PSG, who have dominated French Ligue 1 this season with 15 wins in their first 17 matches.

Weah, the son of former Liberia, PSG and AC Milan striker George Weah who won the 1995 Ballon d'Or, became the fourth-youngest US&nbsp;men's national team player to score a goal when he netted in a 3-0 win over Bolivia in May.

Timothy Weah will leave French champions Paris St Germain on loan for six months in January, the US striker said on Tuesday. British media reported the 18-year-old was set to join Scottish champions Celtic.

Timothy Weah will leave French champions Paris St Germain on loan for six months in January, the US striker said on Tuesday. British media reported the 18-year-old was set to join Scottish champions Celtic. Weah has played only three times for PSG this season as bigger names such as Neymar, Kylian Mbappe and Edinson Cavani have limited his first-team chances. In a message posted in French on his Instagram page, Weah thanked his PSG team mates, the coaching staff and supporters for making him feel part from the family. "These few months have been great even though I haven't played much," Weah said. "I've always been grateful for the opportunities I had at the beginning of the season because it opened me many doors this winter. "I hope after these six months, I will be ready to return to the Parc des Princes and give everything for you, proud to be Parisian." Since making his international debut in March, Weah has chalked up more appearances for the US than for PSG, who have dominated French Ligue 1 this season with 15 wins in their first 17 matches. Weah, the son of former Liberia, PSG and AC Milan striker George Weah who won the 1995 Ballon d'Or, became the fourth-youngest US men's national team player to score a goal when he netted in a 3-0 win over Bolivia in May.

US striker Timothy Weah confirms loan from PSG

George Weah, the former international soccer star who won the presidency of&nbsp;Liberia&nbsp;last month, promised a crackdown on endemic corruption as he was sworn in on Monday.

Thousands of exuberant supporters and regional presidents and dignitaries crammed into a stadium in the capital Monrovia to watch as Weah, who rose from the city&#39;s slums to become one of Africa&#39;s greatest footballers, took the oath of office.

As a former AC Milan and Paris St Germain striker and 1995 world player of the year, &quot;King George&quot; as his fans call him was no stranger to having crowds cheering him on in packed stadiums.

But he was also aware of the huge hurdles ahead as he replaced Nobel Peace Prize winner Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in&nbsp;Liberia&#39;s first peaceful change of power for seven decades.

&quot;It will be my task to lead this nation from division to unity. I will not let you down,&quot; Weah told the crowd.&nbsp;

Weah, 51, rode to a landslide run-off victory last month on the back of heavy support from young people and the poor.

Making his speech in flowing white African robes, he promised to deliver on his key campaign promises, especially tackling the malfeasance that his predecessor is widely seen as having failed to do during her 12 years in office.

&quot;It is my belief that the most effective way to directly impact the poor, and to narrow the gap between the rich and the poor is to make sure that public resources do not end up in the pockets government officials,&quot; he said.

Founded by freed American slaves,&nbsp;Liberia&nbsp;is Africa&#39;s oldest modern republic. But it has been plagued by years of unrest and bloodshed, including two civil wars in the 1980s and 90s that were notorious for their brutality and use of child soldiers.

Johnson Sirleaf was credited with shoring up peace after that war, but criticised for failing to tackle elite graft or do much to lift&nbsp;Liberians out of poverty.

And in a nod to his opponents, Weah sought to turn the page on what was a bitter election battle, delayed for months by legal wrangling but which despite hot tempers on all sides did not descend into bloodshed.

&quot;We must not allow political loyalties prevent us from collaborating in the national interest,&quot; he said. &quot;Blood should never be the price tag for democracy. ... This transition was achieved by ... (the) democratic will of the&nbsp;Liberian people.&quot;

But Weah will also have to manage expectations, which are sky high following his win.

&quot;Today is a great day for me and my country.&nbsp;I expect job creation and development,&quot; said Agnes Echoing, deputy director of&nbsp;Liberia&#39;s lottery authority, seated in a wheel chair.

&quot;We will (also) need empowerment for people with disabilities,&quot; she said. &quot;I am excited.&quot;

The ceremony was attended by the presidents of Gabon, Ghana, Togo, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Congo Republic, Senegal, Mali and Burkina Faso.

"It will be my task to lead this nation from division to unity. I will not let you down," Weah told the crowd.

George Weah, the former international soccer star who won the presidency of Liberia last month, promised a crackdown on endemic corruption as he was sworn in on Monday. Thousands of exuberant supporters and regional presidents and dignitaries crammed into a stadium in the capital Monrovia to watch as Weah, who rose from the city's slums to become one of Africa's greatest footballers, took the oath of office. As a former AC Milan and Paris St Germain striker and 1995 world player of the year, "King George" as his fans call him was no stranger to having crowds cheering him on in packed stadiums. But he was also aware of the huge hurdles ahead as he replaced Nobel Peace Prize winner Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in Liberia's first peaceful change of power for seven decades. "It will be my task to lead this nation from division to unity. I will not let you down," Weah told the crowd. Weah, 51, rode to a landslide run-off victory last month on the back of heavy support from young people and the poor. Making his speech in flowing white African robes, he promised to deliver on his key campaign promises, especially tackling the malfeasance that his predecessor is widely seen as having failed to do during her 12 years in office. "It is my belief that the most effective way to directly impact the poor, and to narrow the gap between the rich and the poor is to make sure that public resources do not end up in the pockets government officials," he said. Founded by freed American slaves, Liberia is Africa's oldest modern republic. But it has been plagued by years of unrest and bloodshed, including two civil wars in the 1980s and 90s that were notorious for their brutality and use of child soldiers. Johnson Sirleaf was credited with shoring up peace after that war, but criticised for failing to tackle elite graft or do much to lift Liberians out of poverty. And in a nod to his opponents, Weah sought to turn the page on what was a bitter election battle, delayed for months by legal wrangling but which despite hot tempers on all sides did not descend into bloodshed. "We must not allow political loyalties prevent us from collaborating in the national interest," he said. "Blood should never be the price tag for democracy. ... This transition was achieved by ... (the) democratic will of the Liberian people." But Weah will also have to manage expectations, which are sky high following his win. "Today is a great day for me and my country. I expect job creation and development," said Agnes Echoing, deputy director of Liberia's lottery authority, seated in a wheel chair. "We will (also) need empowerment for people with disabilities," she said. "I am excited." The ceremony was attended by the presidents of Gabon, Ghana, Togo, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Congo Republic, Senegal, Mali and Burkina Faso.

George Weah sworn in as Liberia president, vows to end corruption

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Rasmussen Reports&#39; poll&#39;s number on Thursday revealed Trump getting an approval rating of 46 per cent, while disapproval rating of 53 per cent. This is similar to what Obama scored during his first year of presidency in 2009. Obama had received an approval rating of 46 per cent while a disapproval rating of 54 per cent.&nbsp;

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Former soccer star&nbsp;George&nbsp;Weah&nbsp;has won Liberia&#39;s presidential run-off election and will succeed incumbent Ellen Johnson Sirleaf next month, the country&#39;s first democratic transition in over 70 years.

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Video: Massive fire breaks out at Mumbai's Kamala Mills, 15 dead A massive fire broke out at the Kamala Mills compound in Lower Parel, Mumbai early Friday morning killing 15 people and injuring 12. The fire was reported at 12.30 am Friday. Trump's approval rating similar to Obama's first year at office Rasmussen Reports' poll's number on Thursday revealed Trump getting an approval rating of 46 per cent, while disapproval rating of 53 per cent. This is similar to what Obama scored during his first year of presidency in 2009. Obama had received an approval rating of 46 per cent while a disapproval rating of 54 per cent. Ex-international footballer George Weah is new Liberia president Former soccer star George Weah has won Liberia's presidential run-off election and will succeed incumbent Ellen Johnson Sirleaf next month, the country's first democratic transition in over 70 years. Vishwananthan Anand wins World Rapid Chess Championship India's Vishwanathan Anand won the World Rapid Chess Championship in Riyadh on Thursday. Assam tense ahead of citizens' list identifying 'illegal Bangladeshis' Assam has mobilised around 60,000 police and paramilitary troops ahead of the publication of a list of citizens it says will be used to detect and deport illegal immigrants - mainly Muslims - from neighbouring Bangladesh.

WION Morning News brief, 29 December 2017

Vote counting was under way in Liberia on Wednesday following a peaceful run-off election for a new president, pitting former international footballer George Weah against Vice-President Joseph Boakai.

Voters were choosing a successor to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who is stepping down after 12 years as Africa&#39;s first elected female head of state.

Results of Tuesday&#39;s vote are expected in a few days, in what would be the West African country&#39;s first democratic transition since 1944, according to electoral officials.

The ballot was delayed for seven weeks due to legal challenges lodged by Boakai&#39;s Unity Party against the electoral commission over the conduct of the first round of voting, but many of the complaints appeared to have been addressed in the second round.

The Liberia Elections Observation Network, which had more than 1,000 observers stationed across the country, hailed a vote it said had passed calmly with better organisation than the first poll on October 10, as did observers from the European Union.

Former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan, who served as an electoral observer for the US-based National Democratic Institute (NDI), said a successful resolution to the process was of particular importance within the international community.

&quot;This transition is critical and if we succeed, if Liberia succeeds, West Africa succeeded and Africa succeeded,&quot; he said.

&quot;There has been no major incident to report of a technical nature and the voting was peaceful,&quot; noted electoral commission chief Francis Korkoya.

But with the vote held the day after Christmas, some national and international observers warned that turnout may have been affected.

As Liberia&#39;s most famous son, Weah attracts huge crowds and has a faithful youth following in a country where a fifth of the electorate is aged between 18 and 22. But he has been criticised for his performance in the Senate, where he has served since 2014.

Weah, 51, starred in top-flight European football teams Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan in the 1990s before playing briefly for Chelsea and Manchester City later in his career.

His rival, Boakai, 73, is seen as a continuity candidate and has won praise for his years of public service and image as a corruption-free family man, while fending off allegations he failed to tackle poverty while in government.

From pitch to palace? 
Weah topped the first round of voting with 38.4 percent while Boakai came second with 28.8 percent. That triggered a run-off as neither made it past the 50 percent needed to win outright.

&quot;I voted for George Weah because he is the one who will bring the change we have been waiting for in this country,&quot; declared supporter John Momoh after casting his ballot on Tuesday.

Victoria Blamoh, 56, told AFP she voted for Boakai&#39;s &quot;experience of leadership&quot;, explaining: &quot;He has been in government for 12 years, so he knows the ins and outs of it.&quot;

Whoever wins the election faces an economy battered by lower commodity prices for its main exports of rubber and iron ore, and a rapidly depreciating currency.

Sirleaf guided the nation out of ruin following back-to-back 1989-2003 civil wars and through the horrors of the 2014-16 Ebola crisis, but is accused of failing to combat poverty and tackle corruption.

Living standards in Liberia remain among the worst in the world.

Weah has polled well in Bong county, the fiefdom of Liberian warlord and former president Charles Taylor and his ex-wife, Jewel Howard-Taylor, who is the former footballer&#39;s vice-presidential pick, attracting controversy to his campaign.

Charles Taylor is serving a 50-year sentence in Britain for war crimes committed in neighbouring Sierra Leone, but his presence has loomed large over the election.

- Previous fraud claims - 
As counting got under way, the candidates were urged to keep supporters calm to avoid the electoral violence that has hit Liberia in previous years.

Boakai has waged a bitter legal battle over problems with queue control and voter identification in the October 10 first round, and said he would accept the result provided the National Elections Commission (NEC) met &quot;all of the standards&quot;.

Polling stations on Tuesday displayed voter lists as a mark of transparency. The EU&#39;s chief observer, Maria Arena, said staff were &quot;better trained&quot; for the run-off.

Weah alleges that electoral fraud cost him the presidency in 2005 and the vice-presidency in 2011.

His CDC party contested those results but has refrained so far this time, though after voting on Tuesday Weah warned that &quot;what happened in 2005 and 2011 cannot be repeated&quot;.

The run-off pits former international footballer George Weah against Vice-President Joseph Boakai

Vote counting was under way in Liberia on Wednesday following a peaceful run-off election for a new president, pitting former international footballer George Weah against Vice-President Joseph Boakai. Voters were choosing a successor to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who is stepping down after 12 years as Africa's first elected female head of state. Results of Tuesday's vote are expected in a few days, in what would be the West African country's first democratic transition since 1944, according to electoral officials. The ballot was delayed for seven weeks due to legal challenges lodged by Boakai's Unity Party against the electoral commission over the conduct of the first round of voting, but many of the complaints appeared to have been addressed in the second round. The Liberia Elections Observation Network, which had more than 1,000 observers stationed across the country, hailed a vote it said had passed calmly with better organisation than the first poll on October 10, as did observers from the European Union. Former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan, who served as an electoral observer for the US-based National Democratic Institute (NDI), said a successful resolution to the process was of particular importance within the international community. "This transition is critical and if we succeed, if Liberia succeeds, West Africa succeeded and Africa succeeded," he said. "There has been no major incident to report of a technical nature and the voting was peaceful," noted electoral commission chief Francis Korkoya. But with the vote held the day after Christmas, some national and international observers warned that turnout may have been affected. As Liberia's most famous son, Weah attracts huge crowds and has a faithful youth following in a country where a fifth of the electorate is aged between 18 and 22. But he has been criticised for his performance in the Senate, where he has served since 2014. Weah, 51, starred in top-flight European football teams Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan in the 1990s before playing briefly for Chelsea and Manchester City later in his career. His rival, Boakai, 73, is seen as a continuity candidate and has won praise for his years of public service and image as a corruption-free family man, while fending off allegations he failed to tackle poverty while in government. From pitch to palace? Weah topped the first round of voting with 38.4 percent while Boakai came second with 28.8 percent. That triggered a run-off as neither made it past the 50 percent needed to win outright. "I voted for George Weah because he is the one who will bring the change we have been waiting for in this country," declared supporter John Momoh after casting his ballot on Tuesday. Victoria Blamoh, 56, told AFP she voted for Boakai's "experience of leadership", explaining: "He has been in government for 12 years, so he knows the ins and outs of it." Whoever wins the election faces an economy battered by lower commodity prices for its main exports of rubber and iron ore, and a rapidly depreciating currency. Sirleaf guided the nation out of ruin following back-to-back 1989-2003 civil wars and through the horrors of the 2014-16 Ebola crisis, but is accused of failing to combat poverty and tackle corruption. Living standards in Liberia remain among the worst in the world. Weah has polled well in Bong county, the fiefdom of Liberian warlord and former president Charles Taylor and his ex-wife, Jewel Howard-Taylor, who is the former footballer's vice-presidential pick, attracting controversy to his campaign. Charles Taylor is serving a 50-year sentence in Britain for war crimes committed in neighbouring Sierra Leone, but his presence has loomed large over the election. - Previous fraud claims - As counting got under way, the candidates were urged to keep supporters calm to avoid the electoral violence that has hit Liberia in previous years. Boakai has waged a bitter legal battle over problems with queue control and voter identification in the October 10 first round, and said he would accept the result provided the National Elections Commission (NEC) met "all of the standards". Polling stations on Tuesday displayed voter lists as a mark of transparency. The EU's chief observer, Maria Arena, said staff were "better trained" for the run-off. Weah alleges that electoral fraud cost him the presidency in 2005 and the vice-presidency in 2011. His CDC party contested those results but has refrained so far this time, though after voting on Tuesday Weah warned that "what happened in 2005 and 2011 cannot be repeated".

Counting under way in Liberia presidential run-off

Liberia went to the polls on Tuesday for a presidential election that voters hope will mark country&#39;s first democratic transfer of power in over seven decades, despite it being tarnished by allegations of fraud.

Former world footballer of the year George Weah is squaring up against vice president Joseph Boakai, with both men promising a break with a heritage of poverty and corruption in a country where most citizens have no reliable electricity or clean drinking water.

They are bidding to succeed Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in a run-off vote delayed for over a month after Boakai and third-placed Charles Brumskine of the Liberty Party alleged widespread fraud in

October&#39;s first-round vote, a challenge that the Supreme Court rejected this month.

There were no early reports of violence as voting proceeded under sunny skies in the capital Monrovia, with polling stations opening at 0800 GMT and election agents telling Reuters first indications pointed to a lower turnout than in the first round.

&quot;It is great day for Liberia - a test day for democracy,&quot; said Boakai after casting his vote in Paynesville. &quot;We will accept the results provided they meet all the standards.&quot;

Johnson Sirleaf&#39;s 12-year rule cemented peace in the West African country after the civil war ended in 2003, and brought in much-needed aid.

But critics, including much of the country&#39;s youth, said her administration was marred by corruption and that she did little to raise most Liberians out of dire poverty.&nbsp;

Liberia was also racked by the Ebola crisis, which killed thousands in the country between 2014 and 2016, while a drop in iron ore prices since 2014 has dented export revenues.&nbsp;

Tuesday&#39;s poll follows a month of political tensions fuelled by claims that the first-round poll was rigged in Weah&#39;s favour.

Weah, world footballer of the year in 1995, won with 38 percent versus Boakai&#39;s 29 percent.&nbsp;

&quot;I voted George Weah because I believe that he will do better for me and my country. I want change,&quot; said Miama Kamara, a 32-year-old businesswoman, before casting her ballot in the capital.&nbsp;

Boakai&#39;s ruling Unity Party had accused Johnson Sirleaf, who is herself a member of the party, of interfering in the October vote by holding private meetings with election magistrates.

Boakai has found it harder to convince voters that he will bring change, given that he worked alongside Johnson Sirleaf for 12 years.

Weah, by contrast, has won the hearts of mostly young Liberians through his star performances for Europe&#39;s biggest football teams in the 1990s.&nbsp;

His arrival at a polling station in Paynesville was met with cheers by a crowd of supporters.&nbsp;

&quot;My focus now is to win,&quot; he told reporters. &quot;From there, I am going to get on the drawing board with my team and then we&#39;ll put a plan together to move our country forward.&quot;&nbsp;

Some however are wary of Weah`s lack of political experience, education and concrete policy.

&quot;Boakai understands diplomacy,&quot; said McArthur Nuah Kermah, a school registrar in Paynesville. &quot;Weah is not experienced and doesn`t know the workings of government.&quot;

Liberia went to polls on Tuesday for a presidential election that voters hope will mark country's first democratic transfer of power in over seven decades

Liberia went to the polls on Tuesday for a presidential election that voters hope will mark country's first democratic transfer of power in over seven decades, despite it being tarnished by allegations of fraud. Former world footballer of the year George Weah is squaring up against vice president Joseph Boakai, with both men promising a break with a heritage of poverty and corruption in a country where most citizens have no reliable electricity or clean drinking water. They are bidding to succeed Ellen Johnson Sirleaf in a run-off vote delayed for over a month after Boakai and third-placed Charles Brumskine of the Liberty Party alleged widespread fraud in October's first-round vote, a challenge that the Supreme Court rejected this month. There were no early reports of violence as voting proceeded under sunny skies in the capital Monrovia, with polling stations opening at 0800 GMT and election agents telling Reuters first indications pointed to a lower turnout than in the first round. "It is great day for Liberia - a test day for democracy," said Boakai after casting his vote in Paynesville. "We will accept the results provided they meet all the standards." Johnson Sirleaf's 12-year rule cemented peace in the West African country after the civil war ended in 2003, and brought in much-needed aid. But critics, including much of the country's youth, said her administration was marred by corruption and that she did little to raise most Liberians out of dire poverty. Liberia was also racked by the Ebola crisis, which killed thousands in the country between 2014 and 2016, while a drop in iron ore prices since 2014 has dented export revenues. Tuesday's poll follows a month of political tensions fuelled by claims that the first-round poll was rigged in Weah's favour. Weah, world footballer of the year in 1995, won with 38 percent versus Boakai's 29 percent. "I voted George Weah because I believe that he will do better for me and my country. I want change," said Miama Kamara, a 32-year-old businesswoman, before casting her ballot in the capital. Boakai's ruling Unity Party had accused Johnson Sirleaf, who is herself a member of the party, of interfering in the October vote by holding private meetings with election magistrates. Boakai has found it harder to convince voters that he will bring change, given that he worked alongside Johnson Sirleaf for 12 years. Weah, by contrast, has won the hearts of mostly young Liberians through his star performances for Europe's biggest football teams in the 1990s. His arrival at a polling station in Paynesville was met with cheers by a crowd of supporters. "My focus now is to win," he told reporters. "From there, I am going to get on the drawing board with my team and then we'll put a plan together to move our country forward." Some however are wary of Weah`s lack of political experience, education and concrete policy. "Boakai understands diplomacy," said McArthur Nuah Kermah, a school registrar in Paynesville. "Weah is not experienced and doesn`t know the workings of government."

Liberians head to polls in historic, delayed election

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