FREETOWN, April 2 (Xinhua) -- The African Union Election Observer Mission in Sierra Leone (AUEOM) and the Commonwealth Observer Mission on Monday described the country's March 31 presidential runoff election as largely peaceful and transparent.

In their preliminary statement issued on April 2, the AU observer mission noted that "the AUEOM applauds the people of Sierra Leone for their commitment to upholding democracy as demonstrated by their patience and civil conduct on Election Day."

"Based on its observations and findings, and despite some challenge encountered during the pre-election period and the election day, the AUEOM considers the runoff presidential election of March 31 as largely peaceful and transparent," the statement reads.

They concluded that the election was conducted in line with the national legal framework as well as the regional, continental and international standards for democratic election.

The Commonwealth Observer Mission noted that the voting, closing and counting process at the polling stations were credible and transparent.

In the first round of election held on March 7, Julius Maada Bio of the main opposition Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) held a narrow lead over Samura Kamara of the ruling All People's Congress (APC).