Polling stations opened generally at between 7-8 Am but in some places there has been slight delay. Policemen were sufficiently deployed in number. They were prepared to ensure full security around the polling stations.

The elections were all over held in full serenity.  The atmosphere was very quite: no violence at all, no rush-rush, no push-push. Despite long queues in some places, people exercised patience and waited their turn peacefully. Even under the rain which showered for few hours some voters accepted to be soaking, others sought shelter under their umbrella but kept queuing. Yet, no congestion on spots. People didn’t stick together. Just after voting, they simply returned home without waiting or boasting about their favorite candidates. Some policemen told me that their feelings were beyond expectation. They expected to face violence, but astonishingly the mod behaved wisely in full tolerance and quietness. No provocation. All voters abide by the guidance given by the NEC (National Electoral commission). No voter wore any cloth or any item which could lead to identify any political party.

In general Freetown was cool and quiet. Daily activities were stopped. No market, bars, shops and offices were closed. The streets which used to be jammed of traffic were empty. Only few pedestrians could be seen. In homes, one could se people sitting together talking about the good way the elections are organized. Every body was proud of violence free election. They said “we are tired of war”, “we want better Salone”, “we want a change with whoever God has chosen to be the president”, “we’ll accept the final result as every thing seem to have been fairly organized”.

In the evening, the polling stations started counting the vote. The partial results were broadcast. Groups of people were formed here and there around a radio receiver to listen to the news. These partial results show that the major parties are SLPP, APC and PMDC, and that the South is the backbone for SLPP, and the North APC.
Up to now, the counting is still going on, and the radio station “INDEPENDENT” is announcing  partial results progressively. It is broadcasting also music and good messages on elections, thanking Sierra Leoneans for their good behavior, and encouraging people to stay cool. 

About the author
Jeannot Mungwarere is a AfricaNews reporter in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Besides being a freelance journalist, he is the director of the Baha’i Training Institute for Sierra Leone.