MONROVIA, Oct. 11 (Xinhuanet) -- Liberians went to the polls on Tuesday for the presidential and legislative elections, the first since the end of a bloody civil war in 2003, meant to restore peace and jump-start development in a country that ought to be Africa's gem.

    Former international soccer star George Weah, former World Bank economist Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, lawyer Varney Sherman and law expert Charles Walter Brumskine, are among 22 candidates vying for the top post of the west African country rich in diamond, gold, timber, iron ore and rubber as well as fertile soil.

    Women and men, the young and the old began queuing as early as 0400 GMT at polling stations across the west African country. Many of them walked several kilometers to get to their polling centers carrying along with them food, water, chairs and umbrella.

    Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, 66, nicknamed Iron Lady, one of the two front-runners, cast the vote for herself, 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."

    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."

    Johnson-Sirleaf's major challenger was 1995 FIFA World Player of Year George Weah.

    Either she or Weah could make history if they win. Weah, 39, would be the first African to swap the soccer stadium for the presidential palace, while Harvard-trained Johnson-Sirleaf would 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 50 percent plus one vote in the first round.

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

    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 1800 GMT.

    Results are expected within 15 days.

    A presidential candidate with 50 percent plus one vote would be declared winner, if not, there would be a run-off within three weeks to include the two candidates with the highest number of votes.

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