Opposition candidate Joseph Boakai has taken a narrow lead over incumbent President George Weah in Liberia's presidential election run-off, according to results from over 86% of polling stations.
With more than 1.4 million votes counted so far, Boakai has gained 50.58% of the valid vote compared to Weah's 49.42%, a margin of just over 16,000 votes.
This is a reversal from the first round in October, where Weah finished ahead but fell short of the 50% threshold to win outright.
The election is the tightest contest in Liberia since the end of its civil war in 2003.
Weah, a former FIFA best player defeated Boakai in 2017 to become the country's second president outside of the True Whig Party in over 70 years.
However, Weah's popularity has declined amid accusations of mismanagement and corruption.
Liberia is still struggling with high inflation and public infrastructure issues. Boakai is said to have largely campaigned on promises to clean up governance and spur economic recovery.
Weah downplayed such criticism, citing accomplishments like free university tuition which the voters appear to have ditched for a change they believe will improve living standards.
Poverty reduction: Half of poor Ghanaians moved to higher well-being, satisfacti...
Ghana and Korea started at the same level of per capita income but look at us no...
Ghana is not poor, but a lower-middle income country — Dr Mensah-Abrampa
Principals of four technical institutes interdicted
Anas, give us a break; enough of your scandalous investigative method – Dr. John...
New Force spokesperson granted GHS20,000 bail; passport seized
Mahama’s 24-hour economy not a political rhetoric nor a mere slogan calculated f...
Youth lauds Mahama's 24-hour economy proposal
Use drones and apps to fight galamsey – Kwame Pianim
Election 2024: Duffuor also visits Mahama at his residence
