1.   Despite initial fears that the current election would be marred by bloodshed, campaigning has passed practically without incident and there were no reports of violence on Thursday.

2.   Despite initial fears that the current election would be marred by bloodshed, campaigning has passed practically without incident.

3.   How can the nation grow if bloodshed mars every succession of national leadership?

4.   However, despite initial fears that the current election would be marred by bloodshed, campaigning has passed without serious incidents.

5.   However, despite initial fears that this election would be marred by bloodshed, campaigning has taken place without serious incidents.

6.   However, the new university year, which began on Saturday, has not yet been marred by bloodshed.