US Secretary of State Hilary Clinton has expressed delight over President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf's decision to seek re-election in 2011.

"I was delighted to hear that Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf said she will stand for re-election. She has been one of the champions on this issue in her political and governmental career," she said regarding the efforts of the Sirleaf Administration to eradicate gender-based violence and inequality in post-war Liberia.

Observers say US opinion at any level is so weighty in Liberia that a passing statement from the No.3 man in the Obama Administration has as much political implication as an official statement.

Moments after the President announced her intention to seek a second term, thousands of jubilant supporters took to the streets to welcome the decision.
 

General and presidential elections are scheduled for 2011, and would mark the first time that Liberians have a chance to carry out a peaceful transition from one elected government to another.