Supporters of Liberian presidential candidate George Weah, who appears destined for defeat at the hands of economist Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, took to the streets of Monrovia for a second day on Saturday.
With more than 99% of votes counted, Unity Party candidate Johnson-Sirleaf has maintained a comfortable lead over former soccer star Weah, winning 57% of votes against his 40%, according to the National Elections Commission (NEC).
The final results are expected to be announced on Tuesday, but Weah has already asked for a re-run of the election, claiming the vote was rigged.
Weah appealed on Saturday to his supporters to remain calm, saying he will pursue his claims of election fraud through legal means.
The Supreme Court of Liberia rejected a petition by Weah’s party, the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), seeking a stay order on the counting of ballots, saying the party should await the outcome of an NEC investigation.
Meanwhile, the presidency of the European Union said on Saturday it is pleased with the ”generally peaceful” elections in Liberia.
In a statement, the EU reaffirmed its commitment to work with the incoming government on the country’s reconstruction effort.
Elsewhere, the United Nations mission in Liberia (Unmil) has said it will carry out all measures to ensure that calm returns to Monrovia.
Unmil chief Alan Doss, who confirmed that two persons sustained injuries when Unmil civilian police and state police tried to stop rioters from entering the United States embassy on Friday, said such ”unruly behaviour” will not be tolerated.
The transitional Liberian government described Friday’s demonstrations, in which police fired teargas, as illegal.
Justice Minister Kabineh Jan’eh told journalists late on Friday the demonstrators did not seek permission from the justice ministry before carrying out the march and called on the CDC to use legal means to address their grievances.
The International Contact Group on Liberia — comprising the UN, the EU, the US, the African Union and Economic Community of West African States, as well as the Inter-Religious Council of Liberia — has added its voice to calls for calm in Liberia.
The US has separately called on all Liberians ”to conduct themselves in a peaceful and orderly fashion”. — Sapa-DPA