Elections in Liberia: 2017 Presidential Run-Off Election
On October 10, 2017, more than 1.64 million Liberians cast their ballots for a new president from among 20 candidates. As no candidate received an absolute majority, a run-off between George Weah, of the Coalition for Democratic Change, and Joseph Bokai, of the ruling Unity Party, was originally scheduled for November 7.
However, on October 23, Charles Brumskine, of the Liberty Party, filed a formal complaint with the National Elections Commission (NEC) alleging irregularities in the presidential election. As required by the Constitution of Liberia, the NEC investigated the allegations and dismissed the complaint upon determining that it lacked merit. After an appeal by the Liberty Party, the Supreme Court ruled on December 7 that the run-off vote could proceed and on December 12 the NEC announced December 26 as the date for the elections.
To help you understand this important electoral process, the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) provides Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Elections in Liberia: 2017 Presidential Run-Off Election. IFES FAQs include:
- What if the new president cannot be declared before Inauguration Day?
- What challenges has the NEC faced in organizing these elections?
- How will voters with disabilities cast their ballots?
- How will election disputes be adjudicated?
