Free Preview of Members-Only Content
To view the requested intelligence, you must be a Stratfor.com member.
Members of Liberia's Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) party said Nov. 14 they would boycott their parliamentary seats if the National Elections Commission (NEC) does not "adequately address" complaints of massive electoral fraud. The CDC, which includes presidential candidate and former A.C. Milan soccer star George Weah, is demanding an NEC investigation into alleged voter fraud as well as a rerun of the presidential runoff election. Additionally, the CDC is calling for NEC Chairwoman Frances Johnson-Morris (no relation to winning candidate Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf) to recuse herself from the investigation, saying she has made prejudicial statements against Weah that convey her personal interests.
The boycott threat however, represents a move by the CDC to ensure a thorough investigation of Weah's allegations by the NEC rather than demonstrating an actual intent to boycott. And once the Nov. 16 investigation is completed, Johnson-Sirleaf will face the challenge of drawing Weah supporters behind the government to forestall a relapse into the violent unrest that has plagued Liberia for more than 20 years.
| Stratfor Members, please log in at the top left hand corner |
