Freetown, Sierra Leone – Sierra Leone held its first presidential election Saturday since U.N. peacekeepers withdrew two years ago, a historic poll that many hope will show this country can transfer power peacefully after being ravaged by coup and a long, diamond- fueled civil war.
Voters arrived before dawn, weathering drizzle and long lines, for a chance to choose from seven candidates. Electoral officials said balloting had gone smoothly and vote counting began after the polls closed.
The most crucial period for the war-battered nation may come months down the road, when the public begins expecting real change from a new government. Despite progress since the 10-year war ended in 2002, analysts say many of the root problems that caused the conflict – corruption, poverty and unemployment – remain.
“There are high expectations for these elections, which is encouraging,” said Carolyn Norris, the West Africa director for International Crisis Group, a Brussels-based think tank. But “when the euphoria dies down, the public will want to see real change. … If the new government doesn’t perform as people demand, the patience people have shown could run out.”
There were no reports of violence during the voting, but police used tear gas to disperse youth setting up makeshift roadblocks in part of the capital, Freetown.
Saturday’s victor must take more than 55 percent of the vote to avoid a runoff. Final tallies are expected within 12 days of voting.
