MONROVIA, Liberia (AP) — Vote counting continues across Liberia following presidential elections that are almost certain to go to a runoff with 20 candidates contesting.

The state-run Liberia Broadcasting System reports Wednesday there likely will be a runoff based on preliminary figures seen by its correspondents.

Unofficial early results announced by the station favored ex-soccer star George Weah of the Coalition for Democratic Change and Vice President Joseph Boakai of the ruling Unity Party.

International observers say Tuesday's vote went smoothly despite late voting starts in some counties.

The new president will replace Africa's first female democratically elected leader, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who is stepping down after two six-year terms.

Final results should be known within two weeks. If there is a runoff election it will come two weeks after that announcement.