George Weah: Former footballer wins Liberia presidential election

It will be the country's first democratic transition since 1944

George Weah, a former international footballer, has won Liberia's presidential election run-off.

Mr Weah pulled in 61.5 per cent of votes to defeat Vice President Joseph Boakai, the election commission said.

He will succeed Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who was Africa's first elected female president, next month.

It will be Liberia's first democratic transition since 1944.

Mr Weah won the first round of voting on 10 October, but did not get enough votes to win outright.

With 98 per cent of votes counted, Mr Weah has won the majority over Mr Boakai's 38.5 per cent.

The West African nation was founded by feed American slaves.

The final results are expected on Friday.