11/11/2011 12:16
Liberia's President is re-elected
Liberia's President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who assumed control five years ago of her war-wrecked country, won a second term that may be even more challenging as she attempts to form a unity government that could include a former warlord and his allies, the Wall Street Journal reports.
Ms. Johnson Sirleaf, Africa's first and only female president, won 90% of the vote in Tuesday's runoff, the country's National Elections Commission said on Thursday. With more than 86% of polling centers reporting, she is statistically ensured of a second, five-year term.
Her main opponent, former Justice Minister Winston Tubman, boycotted the runoff and refused to recognize the outcome.
Shortly before last month's first round, Ms. Johnson Sirleaf received an unexpected boost, a share in this year's Nobel Peace Prize. Weeks before the second round she received another unexpected boost—the endorsement of a former warlord, Prince Johnson, who has demanded 30% of all posts in her new government in exchange for his support.