Despite allegations that the two parties in Sierra Leone’s 8 September final round of presidential elections were fomenting violence in the run-up to the poll, police were able to stave off major incidents, local and international observers agree.

"Despite heightened tension and several reported instances of election-related violence during the campaign period, the delegation considers that the overall electoral process was generally transparent and peaceful," an observer team with the US-based National Democratic Institute (NDI) said in a statement issued on 10 September.

The European Union Elections Observation Mission in a 10 September communiqué also commended the process, but urged “all parties to remain committed to peace and democracy [and] patiently await the results".

The vote pitted opposition All Peoples Congress (APC) leader Ernest Koroma against Solomon Berewa of the ruling Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP). Initial results are expected on the evening of 10 September but final results will not be made public for several days.

The APC announced on 8 September that it would reject the results in Kenema and Kailahun districts, charging that SLPP supporters blocked APC representatives from observing the vote there.

Assistant Inspector General of Police for Operations Richard Moigbeh told IRIN that authorities have imposed a curfew in the town of Kailahun.

Clashes occurred in the SLPP stronghold ahead of the run-off when opposition leader Koroma attempted to campaign there. His convoy retreated after allegedly being ambushed by SLPP youth.

NDI said in its statement, "If candidates wish to challenge the outcome of the election, they should seek redress through the proper legal mechanisms in accordance with the rule of law."

The winner will succeed President Ahmad Tejan Kabbah who is finishing his second term in office.