Liberia: Protests possible nationwide following election period and vehicle-ramming incident during celebrations in Monrovia Nov. 20 /update 3

Protests remain possible nationwide following the election period and a vehicle-ramming incident in Monrovia late Nov. 20. During celebrations by Unity Party (UP) supporters along Broad Street, a vehicle rammed into the crowd, injuring about 20 and killing at least three supporters; the casualty toll may rise. It remains unclear whether the act was intentional. Investigations are ongoing. UP leaders have suspended all celebratory gatherings until further notice.

This incident occurred after the National Elections Commission (NEC) declared opposition candidate Joseph Boakai (UP) the winner of the presidential election with 50.64 percent of the vote. Incumbent President Geoge Weah (Congress for Democratic Change, CDC) conceded defeat on Nov. 18 ahead of the release of the official results. International observers have stated the election took place in a generally free and fair manner, including the second round of the election on Nov. 14, which passed largely peacefully despite some isolated cases of irregularities and violence.

Likely gathering locations include main urban centers, typically near political parties, specifically the UP offices. An increased security presence and road traffic and business disruptions are likely near all gatherings. Clashes with security forces, opposing rival activists, and other forms of electoral violence cannot be ruled out.