Violence broke out between supporters of Liberian President George Weah and members of the opposition during a parade in the capital Monrovia on Sunday, marring the close of Weah’s re-election campaign.
At least five people were injured in the clashes, with some sustaining large gashes on their heads, according to AFP. Police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd, throwing stones at each other.
The main political parties in Liberia have pledged peaceful polls, but the deaths of three people in clashes last month between rival political camps have raised concerns about electoral violence in the country.
Peace and development are among the top priorities for voters ahead of Tuesday’s first round of voting.
To win, a candidate must get at least 50 per cent plus one of the votes cast. If no party reaches that threshold, the two parties with the most votes in the first round will proceed to a run-off election.
Weah, up against 19 presidential candidates, gathered thousands of people in the capital on Sunday for the final act of his campaign.
He pledged to cherish peace and preserve it, saying that development will not take place without peace.
Weah came to power promising to create jobs and invest in education, but critics say he has failed to meet his pledges.
