This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/africa/6998687.stm

The article has changed 11 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
S Leone opposition win presidency S Leone opposition win presidency
(9 minutes later)
Opposition leader Ernest Bai Koroma has won Sierra Leone's presidential election run-off, say national election commission officials.Opposition leader Ernest Bai Koroma has won Sierra Leone's presidential election run-off, say national election commission officials.
He won 54.6% of the vote while his rival Vice-President Solomon Berewa of the ruling Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) obtained 45.4%.He won 54.6% of the vote while his rival Vice-President Solomon Berewa of the ruling Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) obtained 45.4%.
At the weekend, the SLPP sought an injunction to try to stop publication of more presidential election results.At the weekend, the SLPP sought an injunction to try to stop publication of more presidential election results.
The party had expressed concern about reports of high voter turnouts.The party had expressed concern about reports of high voter turnouts.
Prior to a decade-long civil war, Sierra Leone had a series of rigged elections.Prior to a decade-long civil war, Sierra Leone had a series of rigged elections.
Mr Koroma is an insurance broker who says he wants to run the country like a business concern.Mr Koroma is an insurance broker who says he wants to run the country like a business concern.
The 54-year-old leader of the All People's Congress party ran a slick campaign - calling for change.The 54-year-old leader of the All People's Congress party ran a slick campaign - calling for change.
But opponents say his party mismanaged the country for two decades leading up to the war.But opponents say his party mismanaged the country for two decades leading up to the war.
SLPP veteran disappointed Opponent disappointed
His rival for the presidency, Solomon Ekuma Berewa, was a surprise choice - named as the SLPP candidate by the incumbent President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah at a time when he was not even a card-carrying member of the party.His rival for the presidency, Solomon Ekuma Berewa, was a surprise choice - named as the SLPP candidate by the incumbent President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah at a time when he was not even a card-carrying member of the party.
Solomon Berewa has seven days to challenge the result
As Attorney General, Mr Berewa helped negotiate an end to Sierra Leone's civil war and though a veteran 69 years old, his reputation as a workaholic convinced many he had the stamina for the top job.As Attorney General, Mr Berewa helped negotiate an end to Sierra Leone's civil war and though a veteran 69 years old, his reputation as a workaholic convinced many he had the stamina for the top job.
But observers say high levels of corruption prevented the governing SLPP from delivering basic public services and this fatally damaged their campaign.But observers say high levels of corruption prevented the governing SLPP from delivering basic public services and this fatally damaged their campaign.
Architect of peaceful transition Architect of transition
The national electoral commissioner, Christiana Thorpe has launched investigations into at least 14 cases of alleged electoral fraud.The national electoral commissioner, Christiana Thorpe has launched investigations into at least 14 cases of alleged electoral fraud.
Most, though not all, were reported in SLPP strongholds where an unlikely turnout of 100% or more was reported. The ex-nun running the polls has won respect
It is unlikely they would change the outcome of an election whose conduct was much praised by international observers with Dr Thorpe receiving the credit for keeping the election free, fair and peaceful. Most, though not all, were reported in SLPP strongholds where an unlikely turnout of 100% or more was reported compared to a 68% national average.
Dr Thorpe said these flaws were not sufficient to affect the final result.
International observers praised the NEC's conduct of the election which was largely free, fair and peaceful - but that has not prevented some SLPP members from talking of a possible legal challenge.
Under Sierra Leone law, the official results can be challenged by petition to the Supreme Court within seven days of their announcement by electoral authorities.