Election Update

We wanted to give you an election update, as we understand that Liberia election news is not making it to the news stations there. As of today, October 17, they have counted about 90% of the vote. The top three candidates are: George Weah (former professional soccer player) at 28.9%, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf (long-time politician, ran against Charles Taylor in 1997) at 19.7%, Charles Brumskine (lawyer) at 13.4%. As a reminder, the winner must have 50% plus one vote to win. As it looks like this will not happen, talk is that a run-off election between the top two candidates may happen in the beginning of November. Results from that election will come in much quicker, as it will only be two candidates, not 22, plus the senators and representatives will also not be included.

The folks that we have spoken to seem somewhat stunned and very discouraged that Weah is in first place. The newspaper Saturday described him as "a man with no experience in any area except playing soccer" and "the idea of George Weah as president is an outright shame for Liberia." We can only hope and pray that those who voted for the other 20 candidates will prayerfully consider who now to support and will make a good decision for the future of Liberia. With the lead that Weah has, it seems doubtful that even if Ellen gets the majority of support from the other candidates, that she will have enough to make it over 50%. Please keep this process in your prayers!