Voting stations have opened in Liberia, pitting footballing hero George Weah against a Harvard-educated economist in the presidential election.
It is the first voting to be held in the African country after more than a decade of brutal civil war.
George Weah, known as 'King George' by his fans, has no administrative experience and little formal education.
But the former AC Milan striker and 1995 FIFA World Footballer of the Year is hugely popular after pledging to smash corruption in the country and restore basic services such as running water.
If his presidential candidacy bid is successful, he will be the world's first top international footballer to become a head of state.
He is up against Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, a former World Bank economist with more experience and qualifications.
If the 66-year-old grandmother wins the election, she will become Africa's first elected female president.
Voters queued for hours outside polling stations set up in churches and schools, while others trekked for miles to cast their vote.
The elections are being monitored by 230 international and 4,000 Liberian observers.
Around 15,000 UN peacekeepers are already stationed in the country and have the power to put down any violence erupting during the elections.
The civil war in Liberia devastated the country's infrastructure, leaving hundreds of thousands homeless and without basic needs such as proper shelter and water.
It is the first voting to be held in the African country after more than a decade of brutal civil war.
George Weah, known as 'King George' by his fans, has no administrative experience and little formal education.
But the former AC Milan striker and 1995 FIFA World Footballer of the Year is hugely popular after pledging to smash corruption in the country and restore basic services such as running water.
If his presidential candidacy bid is successful, he will be the world's first top international footballer to become a head of state.
He is up against Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, a former World Bank economist with more experience and qualifications.
If the 66-year-old grandmother wins the election, she will become Africa's first elected female president.
Voters queued for hours outside polling stations set up in churches and schools, while others trekked for miles to cast their vote.
The elections are being monitored by 230 international and 4,000 Liberian observers.
Around 15,000 UN peacekeepers are already stationed in the country and have the power to put down any violence erupting during the elections.
The civil war in Liberia devastated the country's infrastructure, leaving hundreds of thousands homeless and without basic needs such as proper shelter and water.
