Liberia's 'Iron Lady' claims victory

Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, dubbed the Iron Lady, claimed victory Friday as the first woman president of Liberia -- or anywhere in Africa, for that matter.

With 91 percent of the ballots counted, she had won 59 percent of the vote to leave her main rival, international soccer star George Weah, trailing with 41 percent.

She told the BBC she hoped Weah would join her new government after getting over his disappointment.

But, Weah, who has alleged fraud, cautioned the Harvard-educated Johnson-Sirleaf against claiming victory while his complaint is being investigated.

Observers described the vote as peaceful and transparent.

Johnson-Sirleaf said she hoped her win would raise the participation of women not just in Liberia but also in Africa.

Source: Big News Network, Friday 11th November, 2005 (UPI)

Video Clips
• On the Run-Off Election Day "November 8th (Part 1)"
• On the Run-Off Election Day "November 8th (Part 2)"

Sirleaf Holds on to Large Lead in Liberia Presidential Race
With 97 percent of all ballots counted, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is set to become the first woman to win a nationwide presidential election in Africa.

'For the Sake of Peace', Weah Appeals for Calm
The head of the Congress for Democratic Change, George Weah is calling on his supporters to abandon their protest and return to their homes in the interest of peace.

Tear Gas Fired As Weah Supporters Take to Streets
United Nations peacekeepers fired tear gas at supporters of Liberian presidential candidate George Weah, as a protest against the election results spilled onto the streets of the capital, Monrovia, on Friday.