Worth the wait

Africa | Liberians go to the polls, and | Priya Abraham

If Liberians are practiced in anything, it is waiting. Waiting 14 years for civil war to end. Waiting as the transitional government shepherded the West African country toward national elections. And then, when they came to Oct. 11, waiting for hours at polling stations to cast precious ballots.

Despite a wealth of waiting, enthusiasm ran high for the election, in which Liberians chose a new president and lawmakers for their House and Senate. For many who have suffered years of violence and war, the election was a new start.

Official results are not expected for several days, and a run-off, scheduled for next month, is nearly certain. With a field of 22 candidates, it's unlikely any one candidate will win more than half the vote. The wide field has made for a lively campaign season, with rallies and posters around the country over several weeks. Such campaigning may be standard election practice elsewhere, but it is new again for Liberians.