Senegal's president ahead as results trickle in

President Abdoulaye Wade led 14 contenders today as election officials began counting results from a vote many hoped would cement Senegal’s image as an example of democracy in Africa, despite its poverty.

Yesterday’s vote appeared to have proceeded calmly through most of the West African country, though military officials said rebels attacked some soldiers carrying ballot boxes in the still-restive southern region of Casamance Sunday night. One soldier died and two others were hurt, army officer Boubacar Sane said.