Liberians began voting on Tuesday to decide whether to hand former football star, George Weah, a second term as president or to elect political veteran, Joseph Boakai, despite his age.

The run-off is expected to be close between the rivals, who also faced off in 2017 when Weah won in the second round with more than 61 per cent.

In the first round of voting on October 10, Weah, 57, and Boakai, 78, came roughly neck and neck on more than 43 per cent, with the incumbent taking a 7,126-vote lead.

This year’s election is the first since the United Nations in 2018 ended its peacekeeping mission in Liberia, created after more than 250,000 people died in two civil wars between 1989 and 2003.

More than 2.4 million people are registered to vote, with polls open between 8:00 am (0800 GMT) and 6:00 pm (1800 GMT).

The incumbent is popular among young people but must defend a controversial record in office, while Boakai is an old hand who has held a multitude of positions in the public and private sectors.

The electoral commission has 15 days to publish the results but could do so sooner, one of its officials, Samuel Cole, said.