Liberians flock to polling stations Tuesday to choose a president and legislators in the first general election since the end of a bloody civil war two years ago, hoping to restore peace and jump-start development in a country that ought to be Africa's gem.

Football star-turned politician George Weah, former World Bank economist Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, lawyer Varney Sherman and former senator Charles Walter Brumskine, are considered hot picks among 22 candidates vying for the top job of the west African country rich in diamond, gold, timber, iron ore and rubber as well as fertile soil.

Eager voters

Women and men, the young and the old queued outside polling stations in schools, churches, private buildings, town halls and even tents across the west African country as early as 3 AM (03:00 GMT).

Many walked miles, carrying along food, water, chairs and umbrellas, under the watchful eyes of the 15,000-strong United Nations peacekeeping troops, who were leaving no stone unturned toward off any possible eventuality.

"I came here 3 o'clock (03:00 GMT) this morning to vote," Morris Kollie, a mechanic, 30, said in a polling booth made from plastic sheets, west of the capital Monrovia. "I live about 30 minuets walk from here."

But like many voters, he decided to be highly confidential of his choice. And so all Kollie could say was, "I am voting for the one who will bring electricity, water and build schools."

All the presidential candidates promised they would restore electricity, running water and schools, build roads, and attract foreign investors during their campaign.

Bokai Fikel, a 68-year-old farmer, whose house, without roof, windows, even doors, also west of Monrovia, which was used by the elections commission as a polling center, was among the few who would reveal their choice.

"I am voting for Ellen because she has the experience and the contacts to develop this country," said Fikel. He lost two of his 11 children during the 14-year civil war starting from 1989 that killed about 250,000 people, eight percent of Liberia's population.

Preliminary results are set to be announced by the National Elections Commission on Wednesday, but official results are expected within 15 days, with Weah and Johnson-Sirleaf considered leading the presidential pack.

Leading the pack

"I feel great and relaxed today," said Weah, dressed in white suit, who appeared with his wife and mother around 9 AM (09:00 GMT) at a high school polling station on the outskirts of Monrovia.

"I hope this election will be an example of lasting peace for Liberia, and we've got to move forward to assure the rest of the world, there's peace in Liberia, after 14 years of devastation," he said.

Weah, 39, born in a slum in Monrovia, is widely considered the best African football player of all time. In 1995, he was awarded FIFA World Player of the Year, becoming the only African to have won the coveted title, and also European Footballer of the Year as well as African Footballer of the Year.

Earlier, his major challenger, 66-year-old grandmother Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, nicknamed Iron Lady, cast her vote at a polling center in her hometown, Tubmanburg, about an hour's drive from the capital Monrovia.

"I am confident that I will win. But if I don't, I will accept and respect the Liberian people's decision," she said.

Johnson-Sirleaf described the elections as a "turning point" in Liberia's history. "Finally, the people have an opportunity in an environment in which they can exercise their choice. Finally they feel peaceful, feel good about their country."

Be history made

Either Weah or Johnson-Sirleaf could make history if they win. Weah, who didn't complete high school, could be the first African to swap football field for presidential palace, while Harvard-trained Johnson-Sirleaf could be the continent's first elected female head of state.
 
But they are running neck and neck and, analysts predict, may have to enter the second round in early November since the winner must secure more than 50 percent votes in the first round.

All the presidential candidates promised they would restore electricity, running water and schools, build roads, and attract foreign investors during their campaign, but none of them elaborated on how they would make good on their promises.

About 1.3 million registered voters were expected to cast ballots at 3,070 polling stations in schools and municipal buildings to elect a president and 94 legislators from among 718 legislative candidates. The polling stations are due to close at 6 PM (18:00 GMT).

Founded in 1847 by freed slaves from the United States, Liberia is one of the world's poorest nations today. Its 3 million people can expect to live an average 47.7 years and survive on average US$150 per year. About 80 percent of Liberia's population is still illiterate and a similar percentage unemployed.

(Xinhua News Agency October 12, 2005)