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Sirleaf takes 59.4% of vote
15/11/2005 23:39 - (SA)
Jonathan Paye-Layleh
Monrovia - Former finance minister Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf took nearly 60% of Liberia's first post war vote, officials said on Tuesday after all ballots were counted, putting her in line to become the first woman elected president in Africa.
Johnson-Sirleaf's victory now hinges on the investigation into fraud charges filed by her rival, international soccer star George Weah, whose supporters clashed with UN peacekeepers last week. On Tuesday, the government announced a ban on street demonstrations.
Johnson-Sirleaf received 59.4% of the vote and Weah 40.6%in the November 8 run-off, national elections commission chair Frances Johnson-Morris said at a news conference.
"The above figures are to be considered preliminary until they are certified by the board of commissioners and declared final," Johnson-Morris said.
The national election commission was to open its investigation on Wednesday into seven complaints filed by Weah's party.
Johnson-Morris, who is no relation to Johnson-Sirleaf, said she expected the final declaration on the results to be made November 23.
Legislators from Weah's party threatened in a statement on Monday to boycott parliament if the fraud complaint "is not addressed adequately".
The elections were the first since a 1989-2003 civil war. About 15 000 UN peacekeepers are now ensuring calm in Liberia.
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