Liberians have taken to the polls on November 14, 2023 to determine whether they will re-elect former football star George Weah to the presidency, despite criticism of his performance, or choose the veteran Joseph Boakai, despite his age. Our correspondent reports from a polling station in Monrovia, the capital.
Masses of people queueing up to vote in the second round of presidential elections in Monrovia, Liberia, on November 14, 2023.
With our special envoy in Monrovia, Bineta Diagne
There is a strong turnout outside Newport School. Here, voters have mobilized early, very early in fact: some have been here since 5:45 am. Most wait patiently, radio in hand, in the shade to protect themselves from the now scorching sun. The voting itself started at 8 am, local time.
The electoral material was already in place. « The whole team slept here, in this school, to protect the electoral material, » explains the president of the polling station, a sign of the importance given to security on this election day.
Read also: Presidential Elections in Liberia: George Weah and Joseph Boakai Face Tight Second Round
Here, the ballot is well organized: the elderly and disabled cast their votes first. « It is important for me to exercise my right to vote, » says John, in his fifties.
There are also many people in line. Among them is Joseph, 19 years old. He hopes that « this election will be peaceful and put an end to the crises in Liberia. »
Read also: In Liberia, George Weah’s Economic Record Disappoints his Supporters
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