Democracy News

Liberia's Second Presidential Election Marred by Boycott
November 11, 2011
By: Mark Hsen | Printer Friendly

On November 8, Liberia engaged in the second round of the presidential election after incumbent President Ellen Sirleaf-Johnson failed to win a majority in last month's vote.  As of November 11, 86 percent of the vote had been counted with Sirleaf-Johnson winning 91 percent.  While this guarantees Sirleaf-Johnson a second term in office, the election was marred by the boycott of opposition candidate Winston Tubman and low voter turnout.  The election was Liberia's second election after the end of the 14-year civil war. 

Last month, Sirleaf-Johnson won the runoff with 44 percent, but failed to pass the 50 percent threshold for outright victory.  In late October, Tubman and the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) accused the election commission of vote-rigging and threatened to boycott.  In the first round of the election, Tubman received 33 percent. 

International observers had described the first round as free and fair.  The United States (US), the European Union (EU), and the African Union have all condemned Tubman's decision.  Voice of America reports that Sonny Ugoh, Communications Director of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), called on Tubman to reverse his decision, stating that the boycott was not helpful to "democratic culture" and suggested that Tubman "subordinate his own interest to that of the country."   

Violence broke out in Monrovia, Liberia's capital, the day before the election.  UN Peacekeepers and Liberian security forces were deployed to confront hundreds of protesters.  The New York Times reports that Liberian Justice Minister Christiana Tah confirmed that at least one person was killed and at least 3 were injured. 

With her victory essentially guaranteed, Sirleaf-Johnson has pledged to reach out to her opponents, including all 15 opposition parties that ran against her in the first round of the election.  While meant as reconciliation, some fear that concessions will be made to those who took part in the brutal civil war, which killed up to a quarter of a million people, and  nearly destroyed the nation's infrastructure. 

Sirleaf-Johnson has been supported by Prince Johnson, former warlord and third place candidate in the first round with 11.8 percent.  According to the Wall Street Journal, Johnson has been identified as the "most notorious perpetrator" in the post-war Truth and Reconciliation Commission report for crimes such as "killing, extortion, massacre, destruction of property", etc.  He is also remembered for his role in the torture and death of then-President Samuel Doe in 1990.  Johnson is now a senator and pastor. 

The Wall Street Journal has reported that Johnson demanded 30 percent of all government posts in exchange for his support.  Sirleaf-Johnson's party has emphasized that no preconditions were made for his endorsement.

Sirleaf-Johnson was recently awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in October 2011.  While she has garnered significant international acclaim, her domestic support has been less robust.  While she was able to secure $4.6 billion in debt relief, rebuild the police and army to replace the UN peacekeeping force, and increase investment and aid, unemployment is still around 80 percent, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.

For previous news on Liberia, please see:
Liberia Holds Referendum

For previous news on Ellen Sirleaf-Johnson, please see:
Nobel Peace Prize Awarded to Three Women for Contribution to Democracy and Women's Rights

Sources:

Wall Street Journal – Liberian Incumbent Nears Re-Election

Wall Street Journal – Liberia President Wins Second Term

Voice of America – ECOWAS 'Disappointed' Over Opposition Boycott of Liberia Poll

The Washington Post – Compromised elections may tie Liberian president's hands, could force her to make concessions

BBC News – Liberia's Sirleaf seeks re-election amid Tubman boycott

BBC News – Liberia President Sirleaf welcomes run-off with Tubman

The New York Times – Pre-election Liberia Protests Turn Violent

Voice of America – Liberian Opposition Candidate Wants Preconditions for Presidential Runoff