November 3 – Former World player of the year and Ballon d’Or winner George Weah has had his bid for political power halted after Liberia’s supreme court ordered preparations for next week’s presidential run-off to be held up amid allegations of fraud in the first round.
Weah, who played for a string of European clubs notably Paris St Gemain and AC Milan, was due to go head to head next week against Joseph Boakai, the current vice president.
Although he won the first round Weah did not secure enough votes outright. Both are vying to take over from Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as her 12 years in power come to an end.
“The peace and stability of this country lie in the hands of the honourable supreme court,” said Weah shortly before the ruling. “The Liberian people are watching.”
The fraud allegations were brought by Charles Brumskine, who was eliminated after coming third but has challenged the result.
While Weah is running for the top government position in Liberia, his son’s nationality seems more flexible. He has just finished competing for the US team at the U-17 World Cup in India.
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