Panic in Liberia as Supreme Court halts presidential run-off

There is panic in Liberia after the presidential run-off scheduled for November 7 was halted by the Supreme Court following allegations of fraud by a losing candidate who claimed the first round of results were rigged.

Charles Brumskine of the Liberty Party who came third in the first round of elections is contesting the outcome of the election result which saw George Weah emerge the front-runner with 39%, while his closest opponent, Vice-President Joseph Boakai came second with 29%.

That outcome set up a Nov. 7 run-off between Weah, a former soccer star and Vice President Boakai which has now been halted by the Supreme Court until it considers a challenge of the results.

Read also: LIBERIA POLLS: Weah, Boakai set for November presidential run-off

“This is a big step in the right direction,” Liberty Party Chairman Benjamin Sanvee said in a statement. “Thankfully, the Court recognises the gravity of the issues, and has taken action in defence of the law and democracy.”

Reports say riot police have been deployed outside the Supreme Court and election commission headquarters as authorities urged calm with fears that the decision by the apex could cause unrest.

“The public should not panic,” Sam Collins, a police spokesman, told local radio. “People can go about their normal business.”

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