SIERRA Leoneans are voting in a general election following a tense campaign marred by violence.
On Wednesday, the main opposition party alleged that one of its supporters was shot dead by police, which the police have denied.
Supporters of both main parties have been accused of attacking opponents.
This election is taking place against the background of a troubled economy, the rising cost of living, as well as concerns about national unity.
The voters are choosing a president, MPs and councillors in the West African country’s fifth election since the civil war ended in 2002.
The 11-year conflict cost an estimated 50,000 lives, but since then the country has a tradition of largely peaceful, free and credible elections, according to Marcella Samba Sesay, chairperson of the NGO National Elections Watch.
With strong party loyalty among the 3.3 million registered voters, the campaigns have focused on shoring up their parties’ bases rather than articulating and debating policy issues.
President Julius Maada Bio, 59, of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) is running for a second five-year term. His main rival among the 12 challengers is Dr Samura Kamara, 72, of the All People’s Congress (APC).
This is a repeat of the race in 2018, which saw Mr Bio narrowly win following a second round run-off.
