Sierra Leoneans cast their votes in multi-tier elections

Eager voters lined the streets early on Saturday morning, at more than 11,800 polling stations across Sierra Leone, to have their say in who will represent them in the country’s local councils, parliament and presidential office.

More than 3 million registered voters are expected to take part in the nation’s fifth election cycle since a decade-long civil war ended in 2002 after devastating the country.

Today, despite reported delays in the opening of some polling stations, citizens were enthusiastic and committed to exercising their democratic right. Young people between the ages of 18 and 35 make up more than half of the registered voters in Sierra Leone.

“For us young people, today means a lot, because it is the day for youths to make a decision for this nation. Whatever we decide today, will be the face of this country for the next five years,” said 26-year-old Bockarie Yanka of Freetown.

It is also the first election to test a new law for gender equality, which was passed in January, stipulating that at least 30 per cent of parliamentarians should be women, with similar quotas required in other institutions.

A total of 17 parties are registered in total for the multi-tier elections, with 13 candidates vying for the presidency.

“I’m very proud,” said another voter, Katumu Gbow. “I’m here to exercise my franchise. Today is a very significant day, where all Sierra Leonians are coming out to cast their vote to choose their President.”

Significant moment

A Commonwealth Observer Group, led by the former Vice President of Nigeria, H.E. Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, was deployed earlier this week to several districts of Sierra Leone, including Bombali, Bo, Kenema, Kono and the urban and rural centres of the Western Area.

They will be assessing the polling preparations, voting, tabulation and results management, along with the pre-election environment and post-election process.

Visiting polling centres in Freetown, Prof. Osinbajo urged all stakeholders to do their part to ensure peaceful, credible elections in Sierra Leone.

He stated: “This is a significant moment to demonstrate the democratic resilience in West Africa, as well as the country’s capacity to build on the progress already achieved over the past two decades. A peaceful, just and inclusive elections process will benefit not only Sierra Leone, but also the region and the Commonwealth as a whole.”

Voting took place throughout the day, generally between 7 am and 5 pm. Results are expected to be announced within days.

The Commonwealth Observer Group will announce its initial findings on Monday, 26 June, with a final comprehensive report and recommendations to be prepared and published at a later date.