The Archive

A political football

It’s election time in Liberia. and the Guardian reports that:

In queues that spilled out of polling stations and wound through the streets, Liberians turned out to vote in their thousands yesterday in the first elections since the end of a 14-year civil war - elections that could see a former Chelsea and AC Milan footballer become president.

George Weah, a former world footballer of the year, is strong favourite to win. His nearest rival is Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, a former World Bank economist who could become Africa's first female president.

So it’s the economist vs the footballer. Now I love a celebrity as much as the next Heat reader, but not to the extent of wanting them as president. Surely, if you wanted a plumber, you’d choose someone qualified in plumbing, rather than a skilled kicker of pigs bladders. Doesn’t the same apply to politicians?

I’m being naïve aren’t I? Let’s face it, the famous bloke will will.

But can you imagine the candidates’ debates?

The Liberian Robin Day: "Ms Johnson-Sirleaf, what are your plans for developing the Liberian economy?"

Ms J. F: "Well we badly need infusions of foreign capital, which we aren’t going to get unless we look to remove trading barriers and strip away the inefficiencies that infest our financial infrastructure. So essentially I’d tackle corruption and develop limited free trade agreements with key western partners."

Robin Day: "Thank you. And you, Mr Weah?"

Weah: (to the tune of ‘Lord of the Dance’) "Carefree where ever you may be,
we are the famous CFC. And we dont give a fuck who ever you may be,
cause we are the famous CFC. CHELSEA! CHELSEA!"

(Crowd goes wild. Weah gets elected. Liberia descends immediately into economic chaos and there’s rioting in the streets. On the plus side, Liberia’s national team qualify for the World Cup for the first time in history.)

Oh dear.

Also, coming soon, the next candidate for 'online stud of the month'. How did our sporty, down-to-earth fella fare? Check back later today to find out.

posted by Peter The Great @ 9:00 AM