Liberian President Denies Interfering in Vote for Successor
- Ruling party turns against Johnson Sirleaf as run-off looms
- Three parties claim fraud, irregularities during vote
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
Photographer: Michael Nagle/BloombergThis article is for subscribers only.
Liberia President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf said allegations that she interfered in the vote to decide her successor were tantamount to hate speech after her own party and those of other contenders accused her of trying to influence the election.
The ruling Unity Party said on Sunday it is supporting a request by the opposition Liberty Party that the Supreme Court annuls the Oct. 10 vote result and set a date for new elections. Fraud and irregularities were widespread during the vote while Johnson Sirleaf intimidated election officials, the parties said in a statement that was supported by a third candidate.