Peaceful Vote But Sierra Leone's Problems Remain

Vote counting began in Sierra Leone yesterday after the first presidential election towards a peaceful transition of power since British troops helped bring an end to a brutal civil war five years ago.

Seven candidates vied to succeed President Ahmed Tejan Kabbah who is constitutionally obliged to step down after serving two five-year terms.

The vice-president and candidate for the ruling party Solomon Berewa, 69, is considered the likely winner. The main challenge comes from a 54-year-old opposition leader and businessman, Ernest Bai Koroma. The winner of the presidential race must take more than 55% of the vote or face a run-off contest. Sierra Leoneans also elected a new parliament. Final results are due within 12 days.

Voting was peaceful despite sporadic disturbances and long delays in places.

While one of Africa's most brutal conflicts is now history, many of the other problems that plagued Sierra Leone and contributed to civil war, particularly corruption, remain a burden.

The International Crisis Group said in a report that "most of the problems that existed before the war remain - poverty, bad governance, corruption, massive unemployment and disillusioned youth".

Britain is the largest donor to Sierra Leone which has received more than £1.5bn in aid since 2000 in addition to £800m in debt relief. But Britain remains concerned about how the money is used. A Department for International Development report this year concluded that the British-funded anti-corruption commission is itself corrupt.

Nonetheless, Sierra Leone has made large strides toward re-establishing political stability despite fears that a UN-backed international war crimes tribunal might create further unrest by trying rebel and militia leaders accused of atrocities.

The court handed down its first sentences last month to three former leaders of a junta that governed Sierra Leone in the 1990s.

Two weeks ago, two leaders of a militia were found guilty of torturing and mutilating civilians.