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Liberia Vote-Counting Continues as Runoff Election Likely

by Associated Press

   MONROVIA --

   Vote counting continues across Liberia following presidential elections
   that are almost certain to go to a runoff with 20 candidates
   contesting.

   The state-run Liberia Broadcasting System reports Wednesday there
   likely will be a runoff based on preliminary figures seen by its
   correspondents.

   Unofficial early results announced by the station favored ex-soccer
   star George Weah of the Coalition for Democratic Change and Vice
   President Joseph Boakai of the ruling Unity Party.

   International observers say Tuesday's vote went smoothly despite late
   voting starts in some counties.
   The new president will replace Africa's first female democratically
   elected leader, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who is stepping down after two
   six-year terms.
   Final results should be known within two weeks. If there is a runoff
   election it will come two weeks after that announcement.