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A woman in Sierra Leone barred from running for chief of her district because of her gender has appealed for a new election and a place on the ballot.

Elizabeth Kumba Simbiqa Torto, a nurse in her sixties, was prevented from taking part in the December ballot in Kono District. "I will not allow myself to be discriminated against and humiliated because of culture and tradition, which should not interfere with my right," she said, adding that she had been harassed by officials and residents.

Out of nine male candidates her nephew was elected to the post.