Liberia counts votes as President Weah seeks second term

Counting is under way in Liberia, after polls for the presidential and parliamentary elections closed on Tuesday, October 11, 2023. Citizens of the West African nation voted to elect the president, members of the House of Representatives and half the Senate.

Former footballer and president, George Weah is seeking a second term and he is up against 19 rivals for the presidency. The electoral commission is due to begin publishing the first results today and Weah is expected to face a second-round runoff next month.

However, this is the first time that a generation of young voters, born in peace-time Liberia, will participate in choosing their nation’s leader. This demographic shift brings a fresh perspective to the political landscape and underscores the importance of this election for Liberia’s future.

The outcome of the election will determine the nation’s economy, social, and political landscape since it is experiencing severe economic instability and the government of President Weah is accused of acute corruption. 

Credit: BBC Africa