Sierra Leone's vote brings hope for democratic change in Africa (AP/CNN)

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DAKAR, Senegal (AP) -- War-ravaged Sierra Leone's peaceful transfer of power through the ballot box bodes well for a continent that has struggled against repression and conflict for half a century.

But violence often simmers behind the democratic facade in Africa, where corruption is rife and a dying breed of tyrants remain.

Sierra Leone's run-off, in which Ernest Bai Koroma defeated Vice President Solomon Berewa, saw the opposition oust the ruling party -- a rare occurrence in a region where power-hungry leaders keen to stay on have long used the machinery of state to their advantage.

Observers praised the relatively smooth transition, though street brawls accompanied campaigning and looters ransacked Berewa's party headquarters Monday as Koroma was sworn in. Police fired into the air to disperse the crowd and two people were electrocuted in the melee.

Still, Sierra Leone's vote strengthens hope for democratic change in Africa.
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more: http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/africa/09/18/africa.democracy.ap/index.html