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Opposition leader Ernest Bai Koroma was sworn in as Sierra Leone's President after winning polls marked by violence and fraud, prompting celebrations and looting in which at least one man was killed.
The 53-year-old former insurance executive, who came second in a 2002 poll, took his oath in the capital Freetown.
The National Electoral Commission earlier declared the All People's Congress candidate the winner of the September 8 poll, despite a threat by the ruling Sierra Leone People's Party to challenge the result in court.
"Let us view this not as a victory for any particular group or political party or region ... but as a victory for all Sierra Leoneans," Koroma. "Let us begin the process of healing the wounds that suddenly and unnecessarily appeared during the course of this political campaign. Let us endeavour to reconcile ourselves as one nation under God," said Koroma, a Christian from the mostly Muslim north.
The NEC said Koroma had won with 54.6 per cent of valid votes, defeating Vice-President Solomon Berewa, on 45.4 per cent.
Sporadic violence marred campaigning, but international observers hailed the polls as an important step in the recovery from civil war.
- Reuters
