Liberia’s presidential run-off has ended, with former footballer George Weah and political veteran Joseph Boakai contesting. Weah, a popular candidate among young people, has been criticized for his promises to crack down on corruption and improve livelihoods in one of the world’s poorest countries. Liberia has faced challenges from two civil wars and the 2013-16 Ebola epidemic.
Weah has supported education, built roads and hospitals, and brought electricity into homes. However, his critics, including Boakai, argue for a poor record on corruption, high youth unemployment, and economic hardship. Weah’s age is considered a handicap, and both candidates have received endorsements from unsuccessful candidates. The run-off could be influenced by the 6% of voters whose ballots were invalidated in the first round. Turnout is also expected to be key, with Lawrence Yealue of Accountability Lab Liberia expecting a lower turnout than the record 79 percent on October 10.
