New Aviation Charges for International Passengers
All Fees must be paid in USD $$ Currency directly to the USD Bank Account of FIA Ltd., formerly SUMMA Airport (SL) Ltd.
Ministry of Transport and Aviation - Ref: MTA/SLCAA/19/4
December 28, 2023
In an agreement with FIA Ltd., previously Summa Airport (SL) Ltd., on implementing the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) regarding the Freetown International Airport, the following Airport Services and Charges are revised or introduced. They will be effective 1st March 2024 and beyond. See the 'Review of Aviation Charges’ item table.
Fees must be paid in USD $$ Currency directly to the USD Bank Account of FIA Ltd., formerly SUMMA Airport (SL) Ltd.
Review of Aviation Charges item table
Ref: MTA/SLCAA/19/4
Nightmare Before Christmas
The gruesome incident happened on the evening of December 21. At the time we went to press, there were 16 people in the hospital, 1 in critical condition, and two people lost their lives.
A loaded container slides off a container chassis and crushes pedestrians to death
The gruesome incident happened on the evening of December 21, 2023. At the time we went to press, there were 16 people in the hospital, 1 in critical condition, and two people lost their lives.
The Mayor of Freetown, Sierra Leone, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, on Facebook, expresses her thoughts and prayers with victims of the trailer accident at Eastern Police.
The gruesome incident happened on the evening of December 21, 2023, by Eastern Police.
US Government Rejects Election Outcome in Sierra Leone as Mayor Aki Sawyerr Discloses Rigged Results
The main opposition APC rejected the outcome of the results, demanding full disclosure of all polling station disaggregated results. The international community in the country also refused to accept the rigged results announced by the ECSL chief Mohamed Konneh. They are demanding transparency and referring to the elections as lacking integrity.
Sierra Leone Telegraph: 15 July 2023 — Abdul Rashid Thomas
ECSL Chief Mohammed Konneh
Sierra Leone Telegraph: 15 July 2023 — Abdul Rashid Thomas
The main opposition APC rejected the outcome of the results, demanding full disclosure of all polling station disaggregated results. The international community in the country also refused to accept the rigged results announced by the ECSL chief Mohamed Konneh. They are demanding transparency and referring to the elections as lacking integrity.
It is now three weeks since the results of the presidential, general, and local elections held in Sierra Leone were announced by the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL). And so far, there is no end in sight to the unprecedented political crisis in the country, created by the ECSL after declaring Julius Maada Bio as president for a second term and his ruling SLPP party as winner of the parliamentary election with a huge majority.
The main opposition APC rejected the outcome of the results, demanding full disclosure of all polling station disaggregated results. The international community in the country also refused to accept the rigged results announced by the ECSL chief Mohamed Konneh. They are demanding transparency and referring to the elections as lacking integrity.
The US government published this statement: “The United States continues to be concerned about irregularities in the election results announced by the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL). Independent parallel vote tabulations and analyses by accredited national and international observation missions raise questions about the integrity of the official results.
We call on the government to institute an independent, outside investigation of the elections process and integrate observer recommendations to improve the electoral modalities for future elections.
We are also disturbed by the reports of intimidation – including death threats – against domestic and international observers, civil society organizations, and ECSL personnel. We call on all actors to exercise restraint and engage in peaceful dialogue to resolve disputes.
evidence of serious-electoral malpractice revealed by Freetown Mayor-Elect Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr
The resolve and determination of Sierra Leoneans who went out to the polls on June 24 to make their voices heard was inspiring. Free and fair elections are essential for any democracy.
The government and political parties must commit to strengthening democratic institutions to better protect the rights and reflect the aspirations of the people of Sierra Leone.
The latest US government statement comes on the heels of evidence of serious-electoral malpractice revealed by Freetown Mayor-Elect Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr yesterday.
Mayor-Elect Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr said, 'Results and Reconciliation Forms (RRFs) are public documents that record the votes secured by candidates at each polling station. They are completed, signed, and stamped by the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) staff and also signed by the political party agents and independent observers present.
The RRFs are displayed at the polling stations so that the voting public can see the votes secured by all candidates at those polling stations, and voters can thus themselves follow the tallying element of the electoral process.
It has taken longer than 48 hours, but I am pleased to share with the voting public and all other interested stakeholders; the attached spreadsheet with links to uploaded copies of 1,289 RRFs from 226 (80%) polling centers. Please click on the blue hyperlink in column M for the polling center and polling station to access the relevant RRF.
These forms, completed and validated by ECSL staff, political party agents, and independent observers, allow the public to witness the tallying process and maintain trust in the electoral system. Providing transparency by uploading the actual RRF forms onto the internet, allowing anyone to review them by simply clicking the link as provided in the spreadsheet she circulated. This significant step strengthens the credibility of the data she shared, as it is not an opinion but a verified fact.
You can see the spreadsheet with links to uploaded copies of 1,289 RRFs from 226 (80%) polling centers here:
The results data from these uploaded 1,289 RRFs are summarized at the top of the spreadsheet and show 191,634 (66.1%) votes for Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr and 95,025 (32.78%) votes for Mohamed Gento Kamara.
As of today, we have obtained results data extracted from 1,778 RRFs from 272 (96%) polling centers in Freetown. This includes the 1,289 RRFs have been uploaded and data from 489 RRFs that have yet to be uploaded. It should be noted that several stations did not open on polling day, and there were stations at which the box for mayoral votes was missing.
The summary of the results data from the 1,778 RRFs shows 263,858 votes (66.07%) for Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr and 131,652 votes (32.97%) for Mohammed Gento Kamara.
It is the expectation of candidates, voters, and election observers that votes secured and recorded in the RRFs at polling stations are reflected in the official results announced by ECSL.
That is the reason why the All People’s Congress Party, the National Elections Watch (NEW,) and all the international observers are requesting that ECSL disclose the disaggregated results per polling station that were tallied to arrive at the published results for all levels of the 24th June 2023 Sierra Leone elections.
'We hope that this very reasonable request will be granted as it is the right of every citizen to have their vote counted and thus their voice heard in a democracy.'
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CBS Eye on The World with Greggory Copley, Defence & Foreign Affairs Editor and Publisher.
U.S. Embassy Position on the Sierra Leone Election Results and the Country's Economy; Ambassador Reimers' announcement on Radio Democracy 98.1. (Last Updated August 16, 2023; 7:35 AM EST.)
SLPP—NGC Alliance
President Julius Maada Bio announced a second set of cabinet ministers Dr. Yumkella —Chairman Presidential Initiative For Climate Change, Renewable Energy & Food Security.
A serious concern, amid a cost-of-living crisis and with Sierra Leone's economy on a free fall, both the IMF and the World Bank holding back their financial support after the multitier general election in which the main opposition All Peoples Congress (APC) disputed the results, alleging that the election tallying and results management weren't transparent and credible —instructed its newly elected parliamentary members and local council not to participate in the Bio-led SLPP government until their demand for polling station results of presidential and general elections held on June 24 were made public.
Dr. Kandeh K. Yumkella
Chairman Presidential Initiative For Climate Change, Renewable Energy & Food Security
President Julius Maada Bio announced a second set of cabinet posts.
Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella (KKY) was appointed Chairman of the Presidential Initiative For Climate Change, Renewable Energy & Food Security.
Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella, until recently, was the Director General of UNIDO – United Nations International Development Organisation; presidential candidate in 2018 and leader of the National Grand Coalition (NGC) Party; Member of Parliament representing Kambia district during the fifth session of Parliament.
Regarded by many in Sierra Leone as one of the few principled politicians left in the country, Yumkella admitted months ago in a press conference that he was in talks with the SLPP to form an alliance with his National Grand Coalition (NGC) Party.
This decision by Kandeh Yumkella to enter into alliance discussions with the Bio, SLPP, was seen as a betrayal and a sell-out and did not go well with the rank-and-file of the National Grand Coalition as he was mocked ruthlessly by its members, with some in the executive resigning in protest. They view the Bio-SLPP as corrupt. However, Yumkella insisted he did it in the interest of Sierra Leone. He [Yumkella] believes that an alliance between the SLPP and his party, the National Grand Coalition (NGC), would help to unite the country and bring about change.
Ultimately: the decision to enter into an alliance discussion with the SLPP was a strategic one for Yumkella though there are both; risks and rewards associated with this decision.
Dr. Yumkella —Chairman Presidential Initiative For Climate Change, Renewable Energy & Food Security.
Cabinet Ministers | Deputy Ministers | and Other appointments
Some of Bio’s old guards have retained their ministerial portfolio, including Dr. Austin Dembi, who stays at the Ministry of Health with responsibility for sanitation removed from his portfolio.
Tamba Lamina stays at the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, while Mohamed Orman Bangura remains at the Ministry of Youths.
Kanja Sesay stays as Minister of Energy, and Dr. Turad Senesie continues as Minister of Lands and Country Planning.
Former Minister of Information and Communication Mohamed Rahman Swaray was sent to head the Ministry of Employment, Labour, and Social Security, replacing Alpha Timbo was sacked from the government. And former Press Secretary at the Office of the President — Yusuf Keketoma Sandi, now Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education.
Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Memunatu Pratt, was sacked after failing to improve the country’s tourism industry. Replace by Nabeela F. Tunis. Adekunle King, formerly a Labour Minister, replaced Nabeela Tunis as Minister of Western Area with strategic responsibility for the development of Freetown.
Dr. Denis Sandy, sacked by President Bio in his first administration as a Minister of Lands, has made a comeback, now the new Minister of Works and Public Assets.
Kandeh Yumkella is expected to play a crucial role in the newly Bio-led government.
About Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella
Dr. Kandeh Yumkella was an expert in development economics and agricultural economics. He had over 25 years of international experience and worked in various high-level policy positions in the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the United Nations (UN).
In UNIDO, he served as Director-General for two four-year terms (2005-2013). He was the first from Sub-Saharan Africa to have been appointed to the position. In this role, he led the organization's work promoting industrial development and technological innovation in developing countries.
He was also the founding Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Sustainable Energy for All (SE4All) initiative, launched by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in 2011. SE4All aims to ensure universal access to modern energy services by 2030.
Dr. Yumkella's expertise in development economics and agricultural economics made him a valuable asset to the UN. He was able to help the organization develop and implement policies that would promote economic growth and sustainable development in developing countries.
Some of his specific areas of expertise:
Private sector development
Public-private sector dialogue and partnerships
Small and medium enterprises (SMEs)
Support systems
Capacity-building in industry and business associations
Trade capacity-building
Agro-industry and rural development
High-level policy dialogue and consensus-building
He was also a member of the UN Secretary-General's High-level Advisory Group on Energy and Climate Change. He brought a renewed and vital focus to global energy issues and; led the coordination of the United Nations' response to renewable energy transformation.
Updated: July 20, 2023; 11:36 pm, EST
With the cost and affordability questions being raised by concerned citizens, over the number of appointees, President Bio of the SLPP government has appointed additional cabinet ministerial positions—at a time when the country's economy is in its worst shape. These appointments brought the number of ministers, deputy ministers, and other appointees over the last weeks to surpass eighty (80) for his final term in office, as allowed by the constitution.
additional cabinet ministerial positions
Whatever Happened to The So-called Strategic Alliance?
KKY; looking for his name in the cabinet ministers' list. As the Chief Minister, Finance Minister, Foreign Minister, and Trade Minister positions swiftly filled by SLPP loyalists, one can't help but wonder if Bio has even spared a thought for any desperate NGC lackeys, even for the lowliest of roles.
A Surreal Spectacle Unveiled!_ By Alan Luke
KKY; looking for his name in the cabinet ministers' list
A Surreal Spectacle Unveiled!_ By Alan Luke
KKY; looking for his name in the cabinet ministers' list. As the Chief Minister, Finance Minister, Foreign Minister, and Trade Minister positions swiftly filled by SLPP loyalists, one can't help but wonder if Bio has even spared a thought for any desperate NGC lackeys, even for the lowliest of roles.
These individuals, who once proudly represented the third largest political party in Sierra Leone, decided to ditch their principles in favor of hopping on the SLPP-led government gravy train.
Prepare yourselves for the grandest act of political betrayal Sierra Leone has ever witnessed! As President Bio triumphantly unveiled his questionable cabinet following the election coup, it became glaringly obvious; that Kandeh Yumkella, Jesmed F. Suma, Andrew Kemoh Kieli, Alhaji Amadu Sheriff, and their fellow NGC stalwarts have shattered all records when it comes to negotiating ineptitude.
These individuals, who once proudly represented the third largest political party in Sierra Leone, decided to ditch their principles in favor of hopping on the SLPP-led government gravy train. They conveniently turned a blind eye to the Bio government's laundry list of excesses, including extrajudicial killings, mammoth-scale fraud, and a knack for sowing division and chaos. It seems personal interests trumped any concerns for the public's welfare, as they shamelessly abandoned everything they once claimed to believe in.
It's safe to say; we will need a superhighway on Damascus Road to prevent a traffic jam as NGC executives and members scramble to join the bandwagon.
During the elections, the NGC leaders were not content with being ordinary supporters; they practically transformed into the SLPP's cheerleading squad, rooting for SLPP candidates for the presidency and Freetown. NGC aspirants were even obliged to campaign for SLPP candidates wherever the NGC failed to field a representative. The 'NGC- vuvuzelas,' the likes of the clueless DJ Million, went out of their way to justify this bizarre alliance.
They claimed it was all for 'the sake of securing SLPP's unwavering support for Yumkella in the 2028 elections.' What a load of hogwash! The reason behind the alliance was that Yumkella deemed it beneath his distinguished self to do what any other grubby politician would do—cross carpet.
As the Chief Minister, Finance Minister, Foreign Minister, and Trade Minister positions were swiftly filled by SLPP loyalists, one can't help but wonder if Bio has even spared a thought for any desperate NGC lackeys, even for the lowliest of roles. Meanwhile, Yumkella and his cronies stood idly by as they witnessed the loss of four MPs, one District Chairman, and the control of Kambia District Council. To add insult to injury, the NGC's vote share nosedived from a measly 6% to less than 1%. With public trust eroded, remaining members disillusioned by the web of lies spun by their leaders, and the party teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, one can't help but wonder: what's next for the NGC leadership, if none of them get a job in government, that they are so desperate for?
Perhaps a career in stand-up comedy would be a fitting alternative.
Tagged: #Comedy Central, Satirical
Appointment to The Cabinet
His Excellency Julius Maada Bio has announced the appointment of a new cabinet to his administration's second term.
Office of the President
Bio's SLPP Administration Second Term
July 10, 2023
His Excellency Julius Maada Bio has announced the appointment of a new cabinet to his administration's second term.
In Video: Courtesy SLBC
The cabinet's role is to advise the President on any subject he may require relating to the duties of each member's respective office.
In a July 5th release, President Bio sacked Nine High-ranking Advisers with immediate effect—the decision conveyed in a letter addressed to the Accountant General, Ministry of Finance.
President Bio sacked Nine High-Ranking Advisers with immediate effect
These Ministers were also relieved from their cabinet posts.
Breaking news!! July 7, 2023
Minister of Information, sacked.
Minister of Youth, sacked.
David Francis was replaced and sent to the UN as a Special Representative.
Minister of Trade, sacked.
Minister of Transport, sacked.
Nine (9) Special Advisers to the President were sacked (as reported earlier.)
Ben Kaifala, re-appointed (Anti-corruption.)
Bank Governor, sacked.
All People's Congress (APC) 'Non-Participation' in Governance
The APC Executive Branch has instructed its newly elected members of parliament not to participate in governance until its demands—in particular, a rerun of the recently concluded General Election, were met.
The Sixth Parliament proceedings begin July 13, 2023, according to the Clerk of the Sierra Leone Parliament, Paran Tarawally.
Mayor-Elect Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE
In Video
The APC Executive Branch has instructed its newly elected members of parliament not to participate in governance until its demands—in particular, a rerun of the recently concluded General Election, were met.
PUBLIC NOTICE from members of the ALL PEOPLE'S CONGRESS (APC) Party elected representatives for parliament are endorsing the Party's position of 'Non-Participation' in governance at a meeting held on Friday, June 30, 2023.
The Sixth Parliament proceedings begin July 13, 2023, according to the Clerk of the Sierra Leone Parliament, Paran Tarawally.
In the video, the Mayor-Elect, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr OBE, expresses her heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Freetonians for re-electing her as Mayor of Freetown. She also explains the APC party decision and concerns regarding their current non-participation in governance in The Sixth Parliament proceeding and the Local Council.
In Video: APC party decision of non-participation in governance in the Sixth Parliament and the local council.
The statement by the EU election observation mission (EU EOM) indicated procedures for tallying and results management came late in the electoral preparedness, clouding prospects of a transparent tabulation and results process.
Julius Maada Bio, the incumbent SLPP candidate, was declared the winner of Sierra Leone's presidential election.
The ECSL Chief Electoral Commissioner, Mohamed Konneh, said, Bio was re-elected with 56.17 percent of the votes on Saturday, June 24, 2023, and his top rival, Dr. Samura Wilson Kamara, came in second with 41.16 percent.
APC elected representatives for parliament endorsed the Party's position of 'Non-Participation.'
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This statement from the National Democratic Institute (NDI) is worth reading in its entirety. ~ The Ambassador, US Embassy Freetown, in a tweet — 08 Jul 23.
Paran Tarawally, the clerk of Parliament, explained the ramifications of not taking oath on the first day of Parliament.
Sierra Leone 2023 Elections — Mayor
The Electoral Commission For Sierra Leone (ECSL) has announced Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, candidate of the All People’s Congress (APC), is the winner of the 2023 Freetown City Council elections.
Freetown City Council (FCC)
Mayor-Elect
The Electoral Commission For Sierra Leone (ECSL) has announced Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, candidate of the All People’s Congress (APC), is the winner of the 2023 Freetown City Council elections.
A week after voting in the June 24, 2023, general election, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr defeated her main rival, Mohamed ‘Gento’ Kamara, a Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) candidate.
YVONNE AKI-SAWYERR RE-ELECTED MAYOR OF FREETOWN, DEFEATS MOHAMED ‘GENTO’ KAMARA
The Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) has announced Aki-Sawyerr, candidate of the All People’s Congress (APC), is the winner of the 2023 Freetown City Council elections.
The incumbent, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, emerged victorious in the Freetown City Council mayoral election, securing 51% of the votes with 288,683 votes. Mohamed Gento Kamara, her primary challenger, garnered 48% of the votes with 268,213 votes.
ECSL Announces More Election Results — Parliamentary and Chairperson
ECSL 2023 Parliamentary and Chairperson |Local Council Results
ECSL Announces More Election Results - 2023 Parliamentary and Chairperson |Local Council Results.
Total Seats 2023 Parliamentary and Chairperson |Local Council
Sierra Leone 2023 Election: Provisional Results
Provisional results from Sierra Leone's presidential election showed President Julius Maada Bio led the presidential election with 60% of valid votes counted, the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) has said.
Provisional results
Electoral Commission
BREAKING NEWS: June 27, 2023: Bio (SLPP) Wins Second Term, Says' ECSL
Provisional results from Sierra Leone's presidential election showed President Julius Maada Bio led the presidential election with 60% of valid votes counted, the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) has said.
The incumbent SLPP president, Julius Maada Bio, has so far polled over a million votes and currently leads his main rival, Samura Wilson Kamara of the APC, with over 200,000 votes, according to the provincial results sheet.
Some 3.4 million people registered to vote in 16 districts and 13 Registered Political Parties.
Presidential candidates must secure 55 percent of valid votes for a first-round win to avoid a run-off.
The results detailed below are partial and do not represent the complete outcome of the Presidential election.
The incumbent SLPP president, Julius Maada Bio, has so far polled over a million votes and currently leads his main rival, Samura Kamara of the APC.
The electoral commission says that Bio's SLPP has 56% of the vote. His closest rival Samura Wilson Kamara, of the All People's Congress (APC), is on 42%.
The final election results are due to follow, the ECSL commissioner said.
Election update from the 60 percent provisional ballot released as reported by BBC Reporter Umuru Fofanah.
Display by State Security at Presidential Lodge
Display by State Security at Presidential Lodge.
Updated: June 27, 2023; 12:41 pm EST
BREAKING NEWS: Bio and Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) Wins The Presidential Elections for Second Term
Julius Maada Bio, the incumbent SLPP candidate, was declared the winner of Sierra Leone's presidential election.
ECSL Chief Electoral Commissioner, Mohamed Konneh, said on Tuesday, Bio was re-elected with 56.17 percent of the votes on Saturday. His top rival, Dr. Samura Wilson Kamara, came in second with 41.16 percent.
The opposition presidential candidate Dr. Samura Wilson Kamara of the All Peoples Congress (APC), alleged that his electoral agents weren't allowed to verify the ballot counting and is disputing the results.
'These results are not credible, and I categorically reject the outcome announced by the electoral commission,' he said.
Bio, 59, ran for a second term against 12 opponents. His biggest rival is the All People's Congress (APC) candidate Dr. Samura Wilson Kamara, 72, who narrowly lost to Bio in the 2018 election.
The European Union (EU) elections observation team accuses the ECSL of inconsistencies and lack of integrity in key activities on electoral preparedness, including the ongoing tabulation of results.
The preliminary statement of the EU election observation mission (EU EOM) indicated procedures for tallying and results management came late in the electoral preparedness, clouding prospects of a transparent tabulation and results process.
The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has been present in Sierra Leone since May 11, 2023, following an invitation from the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL).
The EU EOM is independent in its findings and conclusions and adheres to the Declaration of Principles for International Election Observation endorsed at the United Nations in October 2005.
Updated: June 30, 2023: For Immediate Release
The United States Senate Committee On Foreign Relations
Statement by Committee Ranking Member U.S Senator James Risch of Idaho
Risch on the recent Election in Sierra Leone, particularly the lack of transparency and escalating harassment, defaming, and targeting of citizen observers.
Risch on the recent Election in Sierra Leone, particularly the lack of transparency and escalating harassment, defaming, and targeting of citizen observers.
Updated: July 1, 2023; 9:30 am EST
The Electoral Commission For Sierra Leone (ECSL) has announced Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, candidate of the All People’s Congress (APC), is the winner of the 2023 Freetown City Council elections.
Contested Mayoral Election
Mayor-Elect Freetown City Council
A week after voting in the June 24, 2023, general election, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr defeated her main rival, Mohamed ‘Gento’ Kamara, a Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) candidate.
Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr Re-Elected Mayor of Freetown, Defeats Mohamed ‘Gento’ Kamara
The Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) has announced Aki-Sawyerr, candidate of the All People’s Congress (APC), is the winner of the 2023 Freetown City Council elections.
The incumbent, Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, emerged victorious in the Freetown City Council mayoral election, securing 51% of the votes with 288,683 votes. Mohamed Gento Kamara, her primary challenger, garnered 48% of the votes with 268,213 votes.
Sierra Leone High-Stakes General Election - Update
Freetown, Saturday, June 24 - amid a cost-of-living crisis, polling stations for the fiercely contested presidential, parliamentary, and municipal elections opened later than the 7 am scheduled time in the capital, Freetown. They were due to close at 5 pm local time, and vote-tallying commenced.
High voter turnout recorded in many areas
Amid a cost-of-living crisis
People wait to cast their votes for the national elections at a polling station in Freetown, Sierra Leone, on June 24, 2023
Freetown, Saturday, June 24 - amid a cost-of-living crisis, polling stations for the fiercely contested presidential, parliamentary, and municipal elections opened later than the 7 am scheduled time in the capital, Freetown. They were due to close at 5 pm local time, and vote-tallying commenced. Provisional results are expected within 48 hours, according to the information ministry. According to the Electoral Commission Sierra Leone website, some 4 million people registered to vote in 16 districts, with 11,832 polling stations. 13 Registered Political Parties. Both sides have called for calm.
The general election is the fifth since the country’s brutal civil war ended more than two decades ago.
ECSL - electoral act no 6 of 1991
2023 Presidential Candidates
Presidential candidates must secure 55 percent of valid votes for a first-round win to avoid a run-off. Voters will also elect members of parliament and local councils in a proportional representation system after a last-minute switch from a first-past-the-post system.
Voters have said they want to see real change in the country against the high cost of living, youth employment, and a decent way of life
From the backdrop of the election on Saturday, though peaceful for the most part, instances of fraud, voter suppression, and electoral irregularities were observed and demonstrated the vulnerabilities in the election.
The main opposition APC also said their election representatives were attacked and intimidated.
In Video:
From the backdrop of the election on Saturday, instances of fraud, voter suppression, and electoral irregularities were observed.
Council of Churches in Sierra Leone
Preliminary Statement from CCSL based on reports received from its Observers and Supervisors - 24th June 2023.
CcSL June 24, 2023 General Election Statement
In the lead-up to the June 24 election, the United Kingdom, the United States, Ireland, Germany, France, and the European Union issued a joint press release reminding all political parties of their pledge to commit to nonviolence and to conduct themselves peacefully following reports of election-related violence.
police officers fired rubber bullets and teargas at supporters of the opposition party, All People’s Congress (APC), during a protest in the capital Freetown calling for the Chief Electoral Commissioner, Mohamed Konneh, to step down after allegations of electoral fraud.
Last August, riots left at least 27 civilians and six police officers dead as anti-government protests turn deadly.
Timeline:
Updated: June 25, 2023; 12:36 pm, EST
Polling closed late into yesterday evening in Sierra Leone across many areas due to delays in the delivery of ballot papers in several polling stations.
Millions of people had queued up outside polling centers well before 7 am when voting should have commenced.
The official results of the election will not be declared until all the votes are tallied.
Electoral Commission in a statement:
The Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) like to inform the public, Elections Stakeholders and Political Parties that the tallying of the 24 June 2023 Multitier Election Results will commence Sunday, 25 June 2023, in the respective Regional Tally Centres —Locations:
Political parties, interested national and international observers, and the media were invited to observe the tallying process — Time 8:00 am. Two (2) persons per institution (media, Domestic/International Observer) will be allowed only.
Western Area National Data Centre, 15 Industrial Estate, Wellington, Freetown
South Region ECSL Regional Office, Reservation Road, Bo City
East Region ECSL Regional Office, Reservation Road, Kenema City
North Region ECSL Regional Office, Azzolinni Highway, Makeni City
Northwest District Council Hall, Port Loko City
Joint Post-Election Press Statement by Ecowas and African Union Election Observation Missions To The 2023 General Elections in Sierra Leone
Joint Post-Election Press Statement by Ecowas and African Union Election Observation Missions To The 2023 General Elections in Sierra Leone
Sunday, June 25, 2023, police opened fire and teargas at the main opposition APC headquarters in Freetown as voters await the results of the fiercely contested general election.
police opened fire and teargas at the main opposition APC headquarters in Freetown as voters await the results of the fiercely contested general election
The opposition’s presidential candidate Dr. Samura Wilson Kamara of All People’s Congress (APC) said on Twitter that live bullets had been fired at his office inside the party headquarters on Sunday.
According to an eyewitness, APC member Matron Mahawa Dumbuya was hit by a bullet inside the APC party office.
Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr (YAS), also, a prominent APC member bidding for a second term as Freetown mayor, tweeted photos from inside the building showing people taking cover on the floor.
“I am in the APC Party office and we are under fire,” she wrote.
APC member Matron Mahawa Dumbuya
Police, in a statement, said members of the APC had paraded through Freetown — announcing to the public that they had won the election.
They attracted a large gathering of supporters outside the headquarters, who started harassing passers-by, the force said. They had to fire tear gas canisters to disperse the crowd 'when the situation became unbearable.'
Dr. Samura Wilson Kamara On Twitter
Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr On Twitter
The Electoral Commission is yet to officially announce the June 24 general election results.
REEL — RAW VIDEO
Sunday, June 25, 2023, police opened fire and teargas at the main opposition APC headquarters in Freetown as voters await the results of the fiercely contested general election.
Statement from Dr. Samura Wilson Kamara - June 24, 2023, All Peoples Congress party (APC) Presidential Candidate.
Statement by Dr. Samura Wilson Kamara - June 24, 2023, All Peoples Congress party (APC) Presidential Candidate.
Press Release: Lead Up to Sierra Leone General Election
In the lead-up to the 24 June presidential, parliamentary, and municipal elections, the international community is concerned about the recent incidents of violence and reminding all the political parties of their pledge to commit to nonviolence and to conduct themselves peacefully.
By Theo Edwards
The International Community issued a Joint Press Release
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
In the lead-up to the 24 June presidential, parliamentary, and municipal elections, the international community is concerned about the recent incidents of violence and reminding all political parties of their pledge to commit to nonviolence and to conduct themselves peacefully.
JOINT sTATEMENT BY UK, U.S., IRELAND, GERMANY, FRANCE AND EU DELEGATION
Idris Elba Appeals for Young Sierra Leoneans to Exercise 'None Violence' During the General Election
Idris Elba has called for a peaceful general election in Sierra Leone, which will take place on Saturday, June 24, 2023.
"This election, please let it be peaceful"
By Theo Edwards; Updated June 19, 2023
Idris Elba passionately appeals for young Sierra Leoneans to exercise 'None Violence' during the general election for president and parliament that will take place on Saturday, June 24, 2023.
IDRIS ELBA PASSIONATELY APPEALS FOR YOUNG SIERRA LEONEANS TO EXERCISE 'NO VIOLENCE' DURING THE PRESIDENTIAL AND PARLIAMENTARY ELECTION SLATED FOR JUNE 24, 2023.
Idris Elba has called for a peaceful general election in Sierra Leone, which will take place on Saturday, June 24, 2023.
"This election, please let it be peaceful," he said in a message in Pidgin English - 'other African nations and the world will be watching us.' On the same day, the Commonwealth Observer Group in Sierra Leone, led by former Nigerian Vice-President Professor Yemi Osinbajo, called for peaceful elections to reflect; the will of the people.
Elba reminded young Sierra Leoneans that they have the 'power' in this vote and that if the country is destroyed due to violence, it will be down to us Sierra Leoneans to have to build it back up again.
The votes on Saturday will be the country's sixth presidential vote since a military takeover in 1992. It will see the incumbent, President Julius Madaa Bio of the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP), go up against Dr. Samura Kamara of the All People's Congress (APC) _the main opposition party.
There have been arrests of critical opposition voices in the run-up to the general election.
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A native of Sierra Leone, Idris Elba, arrived in Freetown for the first time. Elba was born and raised in London; his mother, Eve, is from Ghana, and his father, Winston, is from Sierra Leone, where he has expressed interest in investing in eco-tourism. Mr. Elba’s visit to Sierra Leone had been long-awaited.
Idris Elba arrived in Sierra Leone on Wednesday, December 18, 2019. Elba’s visit to Sierra Leone had been a long-awaited _article by Theo Edwards.
Sierra Leone Breaks Under the Strain
The Tree's exact age is unknown, but it is known to have existed in 1787. It is the oldest cotton tree in Freetown, Sierra Leone. It stands near the Supreme Court Building, Music Club, and Sierra Leone National Museum.
Cotton Tree: A Landmark of Freetown
“On March 26, 2025, what remained of Freetown’s Cotton Tree was engulfed in flames.”
The Tree's exact age is unknown, but it is known to have existed in 1787. It is the oldest cotton tree in Freetown, Sierra Leone. It stands near the Supreme Court Building, Music Club, and Sierra Leone National Museum.
The Cotton Tree was a Ceiba pentandra, also known commonly as a kapok tree, a historic symbol of Freetown, the capital city of Sierra Leone.
Formerly enslaved people who won their freedom fighting on the British side of the American War of Independence prayed beneath the Tree when they arrived in West Africa.
The cotton tree is a historic symbol adorned with Sierra Leone banknotes and postage stamps. Visited by Queen Elizabeth II in 1961 and had remained a popular attraction.
The country has suffered several climate-related and environmental disasters in recent years.
The capital city Freetown over the past weeks, was inundated with rainfall. A heavy downpour a week ago caused one of the Tree branches to fall, but it thought it would survive. However, in another storm on Wednesday, May 24, 2023, at around 9 PM local time, the entire Tree came down, leaving just part of the Ceiba pentandra trunk still standing.
Only the thick base of the towering Ceiba pentandra tree trunk was left standing after a heavy wind and rainstorm
Correspondence from Freetown suggests no one was injured, the government added, though the ripped branches damaged some nearby buildings and cars. President Bio and other officials are expected to visit the site.
Only the thick base of the towering Ceiba pentandra tree trunk was left standing after a heavy wind and rainstorm on Wednesday, May 24, 2023
“Deeply saddened to learn that the iconic symbol of our city, the Cotton Tree, has fallen in tonight’s storm. Freetown was founded 231 years ago and many believe that the tree was already here then. A major part of our city’s identity is no more...”
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