Twelve years of an Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf presidency will finally come to an end but the Liberian people must pick her successor in order for power to change hands without bloodshed for the first time in over 70 years. This Boxing Day, Liberians go to the polls in a re-run to chose their next president after legendary former football George Weah,51. failed to secure an outright 50% majority to avoid the second round of the suffrage.

Vice-President, Joseph Boakai is vying for the top job without the blessing of his current boss. The 73-year-old sees himself as that limousine parked in the garage waiting for that ride while his main contender is a former international football player of the year who’s running for the presidency for the third time. Perhaps this time around, the third try could be the last as he enjoys favorable ratings in opinion polls.

Some 2 million eligible voters are expected to cast their ballots. Being a predominantly- Christian country, the Election Commission understands the challenges posed in organizing the ballots a day after Christmas but urge voters to make that one sacrifice to savage their democracy. Political analysts say it’s too close to call but results are expected within four days after ballots are cast.

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan among other dignitaries will be monitoring the outcome of the results. While acknowledging the nation’s challenges, he was confident the votes will be free and fair.

Neba Benson,

BaretaNews Foreign Correspondent/Analyst