Liberians vote for president, seek peaceful power transfer
MONROVIA, Liberia — Liberians chose between 20 candidates vying to succeed Africa’s first female president Tuesday, as voters picked the person they believe will best help the West African country move past the Ebola crisis that killed nearly 5,000 people.
The election is already expected to go to a runoff vote because of the crowded field. When the transfer of power takes place, it will be the first of its kind in the nation in more than 70 years.
As Nobel Peace Prize winner Ellen Johnson Sirleaf prepares to step aside, there are fears that if election results aren’t accepted, the violence of Liberia’s past could rise again. Sirleaf led the country’s recovery from a 14-year civil war.
“This election now is crucial and important because as you can see the peace is very fragile right now, and we need a smooth transition from one government to another,” said Stevera Toh, a 32-year-old accountant. “So we have to vote wisely and make the right decision for our country, our kids and generations.”
Long lines remained at many polling stations at closing time, with those in line still able to vote.
Andrea Kamara, a 27-year-old marketing consultant, said impoverished Liberia needs development. “Whoever gets into office needs to focus on infrastructure, education and sustaining the peace,” she said.
Given the high number of presidential candidates, it is unlikely anyone will win more than 50 percent of the vote, taking the elections to a second round, likely in November.
Vice President Joseph Boakai, one of the front-runners, told reporters that if he wins, “we are not going to be a donor-driven country. Liberians are going to build their economy.”
His main contender is 51-yearold former international soccer star George Weah. Weah’s running mate is Jewel Howard-taylor, the ex-wife of former President Charles Taylor, who is jailed for war crimes.
Weah ran against Sirleaf in 2005, winning in the first round but losing to her in the second.