| Liberian elections, 2005 | | Presidential and parliamentary elections are taking place in Liberia on October 11, 2005. The country has been led by a transitional government since October 2003—which took office following the resignation and departure into exile of President Charles Taylor in August 2003, as part of a deal to end the country's second civil war—and these elections will mark the end of the transition.Frances Johnson-Morris, the chairwoman of the National Elections Commission (NEC), announced the October 11 date on February 7, 2005, and said that results would be announced no later than October 26. She also said that candidates would have until mid-August to apply to run, and that a registration campaign for eligible voters would be held from April 25 to May 21.1As of February, 18 parties had registered. 22 people registered as president candidates, including football (soccer) star George Weah, considered by many to be the favorite in the election;2 his popularity is at least partially a manifestation of widespread dissatisfaction with Liberia's politicians. Weah, who had been the subject of a petition published in September 2004 urging him to run,3 announced his candidacy in mid-November... | |
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