Liberia on Thursday awaited the delayed announcement of the outcome of presidential elections as international observers called for the results to be released promptly to avoid stoking tension. Political parties have expressed concern over polling-day hitches on Tuesday, with one calling for a halt to the ballot count. Footballing superstar George Weah and incumbent Vice-President Joseph Boakai are expected to top the first round of voting, according to analysts, though former Coca-Cola executive Alexander Cummings is considered to have eaten into their support with an innovative campaign strategy.
If no candidate wins 50 percent of the presidential vote, a run-off between the top two contenders will be held on November 7 - an outcome deemed a near certainty. The chairman of the Liberty Party, whose candidate Charles Brumskine is also seen as a serious contender, on Thursday urged the "NEC to immediately halt further announcements of election results."