The anticipation mounts as Sierra Leone eagerly awaits the outcome of the general elections held on Saturday, 24th June 2023, with the tallying of results currently underway.
The ECOWAS Observation Mission, responsible for monitoring the elections, has called for patience amidst a tense atmosphere.
Reports have emerged of troubling incidents during the election process, including attacks and intimidation targeting election representatives of the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) party in three districts.
International observers have also raised concerns about the transparency of the ballot tallying process.
The Head of the ECOWAS Mission Mohammed Chambas, expressed his appreciation for the enthusiastic turnout of Sierra Leoneans and commended their disciplined conduct throughout the voting process.
Chambas urged all stakeholders, especially political parties, candidates, and supporters, to remain patient as the post-election period unfolds.
The Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) have also been urged to uphold its responsibility by expediting the tabulation process and releasing preliminary results in a professional and timely manner.
An election observer and lawyer Augustine Sorie-Sengbe Marrah, emphasized the importance of transparency in addressing any allegations of unfairness.
Sorting and counting of ballots commenced immediately after the closure of polling stations at 5:00 PM on Saturday. However, due to logistical delays, voting extended into the night at some stations under the guidance of the ECSL.
The nationwide elections witnessed the participation of 3,374,258 registered voters across 3,630 polling centers. Citizens cast their votes to elect a new president, 135 parliamentarians, and 493 mayors and local councilors.
Incumbent President Julius Maada Bio, 59, representing the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), is leading the race with over one million votes. His closest rival, Samura Kamara, 72, of the APC, who narrowly lost to Bio in the 2018 election, has garnered less than 800,000 votes.
Sierra Leoneans anxiously anticipate the official announcement of the election results, which is expected by Wednesday. If none of the candidates secures the mandatory 55 percent of valid votes in the first round, a runoff election between the top two contenders will be held two weeks after the initial results are declared.
This critical election period evokes memories of a devastating civil war that plagued the country from 1991 to 2002. The nation is acutely aware of the potential for unrest if a majority consensus is not achieved, underscoring the importance of a peaceful and credible electoral process.
In a televised address following the publication of provisional results on Monday evening, President Bio called upon citizens to uphold peace during and after the announcement of the election results.
He emphasized the collective responsibility of all Sierra Leoneans in maintaining stability.
A team of 95 ECOWAS observers has been deployed to monitor the presidential, parliamentary, mayoral, and local council elections, further ensuring transparency and fairness throughout the process.