The move could make the CDC bid more formidable, with the combination of Mr Tubman's professional experience providing a useful balance to the charismatic appeal of Mr Weah, a former footballer who is very popular with young Liberians. The CDC is currently the largest opposition party, having come second in the elections in 2005, when it won 18 legislative seats. Unlike most of the other opposition parties, of which 24 have so far registered to compete in the election, it has a nationwide administrative apparatus and associated voter recognition. However, Mrs Johnson Sirleaf, and her Unity Party remain favourites to win re-election. Mr Brumskine will run on a separate ticket, and the opposition presidential vote will be divided between the two campaigns. Moreover, the Unity Party has successfully exploited the advantages of incumbency, with the appointment of partisans to official positions, including former critics who have been co-opted, the strengthening of the party network across the country, including through the deployment of vehicles and the construction of new offices, and the broadcasting of its many achievements while in power.