Liberia opposition leader Boakai opens bid to beat President Weah

FILE PHOTO: Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Liberia's Vice President and presidential candidate of the Unity Party (UP), speaks to Reuters during an interview in Monrovia, Liberia December 28, 2017. REUTERS/Thierry Gouegnon/File Photo

MONROVIA (Reuters) - Thousands of people gathered in Liberia's capital Monrovia on Sunday as opposition leader Joseph Boakai launched his campaign ahead of October elections that will test the popularity of ex-football star President George Weah after a chaotic first term.

Supporters of softly spoken Boakia, 78, who came second to Weah in 2017 elections and who has been dubbed "Sleepy Joe" by detractors for allegedly napping at public events, braved the rain at a stadium to dance, wave flags and demand change.