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Ex Chelsea star George Weah tweets his thanks as he is poised to become Liberia's next leader after naming the wife of cannibal warlord Charles Taylor as his deputy

Former Chelsea star George Weah has tweeted his thanks to voters as he closes in on his bid to become Liberia's next leader.

The 51-year-old, considered one of Africa's greatest ever footballers, is aiming to succeed President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who is stepping down after 12 years as the continent's first elected female head of state.

But the footballer has sparked controversy after naming Jewel Howard-Taylor, wife of cannibal warlord Charles Taylor, as his pick for vice president.

Charles Taylor is serving a 50-year sentence in Britain for war crimes committed in neighbouring Sierra Leone, but his presence has loomed large over the election.