Seven other African countries; Burkina-Faso, Burundi, Central Africa Republic, the Comoros, Côte d’Ivoire, Sudan and Togo are set to hold elections in 2015

A “make or break” point for the country’s new leaders

Key roles for civil society in keeping violence at bay

Trends are encouraging, but some polls still fall short

Autocracy gives way to multi-party elections and greater openness

“Peer review” highlights progress, need for more reforms

Ambitious agenda for President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf