Liberia votes in a run-off between footballer George Weah and VP Boakai

Voting is underway in Liberia as citizens decide on who will succeed President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, in a much anticipated presidential run-off election.

Former international footballer of the year George Weah who won the general election but failed to gunner the 50% total votes, is battling it out with the country’s Vice President Joseph Boaki, 73, a man who has occupied that seat for over 12 years.

According to reports from the West African country, the election which is scheduled to end at 18:00hours GMT (09:00PM EAT), is so far generally peaceful, but tension is high as supporters from both camps anticipate victory.

Mr Weah, 51, also won the first election he participated in, in 2005, but lost to Ms Ellen Johnson Searlif in the subsequent run-off.

Even if it is conducted on Boxing Day (not public holiday in Liberia), the Liberation election will grant the country her first democratic transition in over 70 years.

Ms Ellen Johnson succeeded Mr Charles Taylor, who is serving a 50 year sentence in UK for crimes against humanity in the neighbouring Sierra Leone.

Election results are scheduled to be declared within a four days period.

Will the ex-footballer take charge of his country or will long serving VP win?