Liberia 's Return to Democracy: Weah to go?
Liberia has been in the news in the last two decades for events ranging from notorious children soldiers terrorizing the city of Monrovia and neighboring African countries, infamous rebel leader, Yormi Johnson, sadistically severing the body of Late President Samuel Doe while drinking beer on the beach to Charles Taylor's (another warlord) exile to Nigeria - all of which complement the 14 years of civil strife that has plagued the country. However, more recently she is the news for the Presidential Election whose results could make history due to the backgrounds of the two candidates narrowed down from the previous 22 candidates.
If she wins, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, the Harvard trained economist and banker could be the first elected Female African President, while George Weah, a popular football star and former AC Milan Striker could be the world's first top international football player to become a head of state. What does this mean for the future of Liberia, one of Africa's most resource-rich nations?
Liberia is a beautiful country with swamps, beaches and thick rainforest. However after the 14 years of war, there is no running water or electricity in the capital city of Monrovia, let alone remote villages or towns. World Leaders and the citizens of Liberia are planning to redeem the situation by installing a democratic regime that will revive the economy, rehabilitate the traumatized child soldiers and build social infrastructures. Hence, the November 8 th Presidential Elections was a race of 1.3 million people registered at 3,070 different polling stations to decide on whose political platform the afore-mentioned goals will be achieved. The Liberian National Elections Commission has a couple more days to officially announce the results as they are awaiting more votes to be brought in from the jungle areas of Liberia that were destroyed in the war. However, Sirleaf currently has a commanding lead of 91% of the votes counted against opponent George Weah. Although Ellen Johnson – Sirleaf's victory is not fully confirmed, Weah is already calling out foul play and demanding a recount.
An average observer can tell this is going to be tough! Both Sirleaf and Weah have fierce supporters nationally and abroad. Sirleaf has more support from International supporters while Weah is being backed by former warlord, Yormi Johnson and young combatants. A few foreign observers have nothing complimentary to say of Weah as he is regularly mocked for his lack of eloquence, his aloof demeanor and his poor time-keeping. Yet his supporters are adamant, singing “degree-holder, you know book – and your country dirty.” Dirty in this context means corrupt and refers to Sirleaf's involvement with the previous military regimes that squandered the nation's resources.
The results will be officially announced on November 23 rd . If in favor of Sirleaf, the results could either end Violence in Liberia and mark a new era of calm and resurrection or lead to more violence as the combatants, who mainly support Weah, have already taken to the streets to protest for a re-run as they claim the election was rigged. The future of Liberia is dependent on these next three days. I will keep you posted.