George Weah, 1995 FIFA World Best Footballer, has taken an early lead in the October 10, 2017 election of Liberia.
The Liberia Football legend, retired from football in 2003, and shifted his focus to politics. He had contested previously in 2005 with President Johnson Sirleaf where he lost the election.
Weah was also the running mate of Winston Tubman in 2011, on the platform of Congress for Democratic Change, where they lost the election as well.
The retired Footballer finally won an elective office in 2014, when he contested the Senatorial seat for Montserrado County with 78% majority.
NEC Chairman, Jerome Korkoya, said although, the Commission was committed to the release of timely results, it cannot be done at the expense of accuracy.
“Reports going round are that somebody or some people have already been elected, we are not aware of that”.
The Footballer turn Politician has won many awards, and was named UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, a position which he suspended for politics.
A candidate needs more than 50% of the votes for total victory. If no one achieves that, a second round will be held in November.
Ms Sirleaf, who is stepping down at the end of two terms, hailed the election as a success.
“We believe that all Liberians are ready for this process. I thank them for participating in this process”.
UPDATE: George Weah is set to face Joseph Boakai in a runoff election this November as there was no candidate with an absolute majority after the final results were released.
