Sierra Leoneans are heading to the polls to vote for a president, members of parliament, and councilors in a general election after a difficult campaign dominated by violence.

The Saturday’s election in the West African country is the fifth poll since the civil war ended in 2002.

President Julius Maada Bio of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) is contesting for a second five-year term.

His main rival among the 12 challengers is 72-year-old Dr. Samura Kamara of the All People’s Congress (APC).

The contest is a repeat of the race in 2018, which saw Mr. Bio narrowly win following a second-round run-off, according to the BBC.

Events ahead of the election triggered violent confrontations among political parties’ supporters.

On Wednesday, the main opposition party said that one of its supporters was shot dead by police. The police have since denied the allegation as false.

Meanwhile, President Bio has called for “peaceful elections” and “no violence” as theAfrican Union expressed concerns over reported incidents of violence and intimidation in some parts of Sierra Leone.

The election in the West African country is taking place against the backdrop of a struggling economy, rising living costs, and concerns about national unity.

To emerge as the winner of the presidential election, the leading candidate must receive 55% of the votes cast; otherwise, a run-off election will be held between the two candidates receiving the most votes.