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Johnson-Sirleaf recognized as Liberia prez

West African leaders recognized Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf as Liberia`s president-elect, even as election officials probed allegations from her rival, former soccer star George Weah, of vote-rigging.

Weah`s legal team appeared at the first day of hearings at the National Elections Commission Wednesday without ballot papers they have said were doctored or witnesses to support their case, forcing a postponement of the probe. Liberia, once suffering under years of internal strife, had high hopes that this election would help the country move beyond the conflict.

Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, in being recognized as Liberia`s president-elect, is on the cusp of becoming Africa`s first female president. Many Africa watchers have expressed the opinion that George Weah is engaging in his campaign to discredit the vote in order to prevent a woman from taking office.