Liberian leader expelled from governing party following presidential election defeat

MONROVIA -- Liberia's governing Unity Party said on Sunday it had expelled outgoing President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf from its fold, accusing her of anti-party activities.

A spokesman of the party Mohammed Ali confirmed that the party voted to expel Sirleaf late Saturday.

The party accused the 79-year-old Sirleaf of violating the political group's constitution by working against her vice president, Joseph Boakai, who ran for president on its platform last year.

Boakai was defeated by opposition candidate George Weah in the presidential run-off election held on Dec 26 in the country.

The party's spokesman said Boakai, who has served as vice president of the country for 12 years, supported Sirleaf's expulsion from the party.

Two other strong members of the party known to be very loyal to the Liberian leader were also expelled from the party.

Sirleaf, who will leave office on Jan 22 after completing her two-term tenure in office, is yet to comment on her expulsion by the governing party.