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S Leone elections 'free and fair' S Leone elections 'free and fair'
(about 9 hours later)
Sierra Leone's presidential and parliamentary polls were free, fair and credible, election observers have said.Sierra Leone's presidential and parliamentary polls were free, fair and credible, election observers have said.
They said the ballot went smoothly and the presence of police gave confidence to voters. Preliminary official results are expected on Monday.They said the ballot went smoothly and the presence of police gave confidence to voters. Preliminary official results are expected on Monday.
Presidential candidates need 55% of the vote in order to avoid a run-off.Presidential candidates need 55% of the vote in order to avoid a run-off.
The election is only the second since Sierra Leone emerged in 2001 from a decade-long civil war, during which an estimated 50,000 people were killed.The election is only the second since Sierra Leone emerged in 2001 from a decade-long civil war, during which an estimated 50,000 people were killed.
We can be satisfied with the global participation and the global organisation EU's chief election observerMarie-Anne Isler BeguinWe can be satisfied with the global participation and the global organisation EU's chief election observerMarie-Anne Isler Beguin
The previous poll in 2002 was organised by the United Nations, which still had peacekeepers on the ground.The previous poll in 2002 was organised by the United Nations, which still had peacekeepers on the ground.
This time, Sierra Leonians were in charge. This time, Sierra Leoneans were in charge.
The head of the national electoral commission, Christiana Thorpe, told the BBC that the election had proceeded very smoothly.The head of the national electoral commission, Christiana Thorpe, told the BBC that the election had proceeded very smoothly.
The EU's chief election observer, Marie-Anne Isler Beguin, said she was satisfied with how the election was conducted.The EU's chief election observer, Marie-Anne Isler Beguin, said she was satisfied with how the election was conducted.
"Of course we have a good view now, a good picture of what happened and we at this moment can be satisfied with the global participation and the global organisation.""Of course we have a good view now, a good picture of what happened and we at this moment can be satisfied with the global participation and the global organisation."
High turnoutHigh turnout
The ballots are being counted in public - in full view of the party agents - in the country's 6,000 polling stations.The ballots are being counted in public - in full view of the party agents - in the country's 6,000 polling stations.
Correspondents say the large turnout was a sign of the population's determination to see Sierra Leone turn its back on years of instability and a civil war.Correspondents say the large turnout was a sign of the population's determination to see Sierra Leone turn its back on years of instability and a civil war.
SIERRA LEONE KEY FACTS 1787: Set up as a freed slaves settlement which became a British colony1991: 10-year civil war began50,000 people killed in the conflict Thousands more had limbs chopped off2002: Post-war elections organised by United Nations2005, 17,000 UN peacekeepers left This poll run by a new electoral commission2.6m voters 566 parliamentary candidates112 parliamentary seats Seven presidential contendersFrontrunners: - APC's Ernest Bai Koroma- PMDC's Charles Margai- SLPP's Solomon Berewa Traffic light politics In pictures: Freetown slum SIERRA LEONE KEY FACTS 1787: Set up as a freed slaves' settlement which became a British colony1991:10-year civil war began50,000 people killed in the conflict Thousands more had limbs chopped off2002: Post-war elections organised by United Nations2005: 17,000 UN peacekeepers left This poll run bynew electoral commission2.6m voters 566 parliamentary candidates112 parliamentary seats Seven presidential contendersFront-runners: - APC's Ernest Bai Koroma- PMDC's Charles Margai- SLPP's Solomon Berewa Traffic light politics In pictures: Freetown slum
There had been tension in the run-up to the elections and some feared violence but the police reported no major incidents.There had been tension in the run-up to the elections and some feared violence but the police reported no major incidents.
Seven presidential candidates are vying to replace Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, who is stepping down after serving the maximum two terms.Seven presidential candidates are vying to replace Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, who is stepping down after serving the maximum two terms.
Three are considered front-runners.Three are considered front-runners.
Mr Berewa, who is vice-president of the governing Sierra Leone People's Party, faces a challenge from Ernest Bai Koroma, of the All People's Congress, which was in power for two decades leading up to the civil war.Mr Berewa, who is vice-president of the governing Sierra Leone People's Party, faces a challenge from Ernest Bai Koroma, of the All People's Congress, which was in power for two decades leading up to the civil war.
A new political party led by a former minister, Charles Margai, will also make it harder for any candidate to secure 55% of the vote in order to avoid a run-off next month.A new political party led by a former minister, Charles Margai, will also make it harder for any candidate to secure 55% of the vote in order to avoid a run-off next month.
In addition, more than 500 candidates are vying for just over 100 parliamentary seats.In addition, more than 500 candidates are vying for just over 100 parliamentary seats.
About 2.6 million of the country's five million people were registered to vote. Final results are expected within 12 days.About 2.6 million of the country's five million people were registered to vote. Final results are expected within 12 days.