Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ Sierra Leone’s president, who is seeking re-election, concluded his final rally on Tuesday (June 20) at Lumley Beach in the capital city, Freetown. Julius Maada Bio, one of the thirteen candidates competing for the presidency, emphasized the importance of a peaceful election and urged supporters to vote without resorting to violence. To prevent potential unrest, traditional parade-like political street rallies were prohibited this year. Macksood Gibril Sesay, a former electoral commissioner, expressed concerns about the lack of a healing process following deadly riots in August of the previous year, highlighting the potential for chaos during the election period.
Both major political parties delayed the release of their manifestos until just a month before the elections, prompting criticism from the opposition. The Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) has faced accusations of bias in favor of the ruling party, leading to speculation that a court challenge may be initiated, a tactic employed by both parties in the past. Disinformation campaigns have become prevalent on both sides, with the online space playing a significant role in influencing voters. Internet penetration has increased substantially, reaching nearly 3 million people compared to 370,000 in 2018, according to Information Minister Mohamed Rahman Swaray.
The ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), led by Julius Maada Bio, has prioritized education and women’s rights during his first term. In an interview, Bio stated his commitment to focusing on agriculture and reducing food imports in his second term. Bio’s main rival, Kamara, a former finance and foreign minister who lost to Bio in a 2018 runoff, aims to restore confidence in the country’s economic institutions and attract foreign direct investment. However, despite the challenging economic situation, analysts believe it is unlikely to directly translate into a loss for Bio.
Supporters of Bio, dressed in the party’s color, expressed optimism during the rally at Lumley Beach. They voiced expectations of improved access to electricity and better water supply, attributing these improvements to Bio’s leadership. Education and resource development were also cited as reasons for supporting Bio’s candidacy by some voters.
Voting patterns in Sierra Leone are often influenced by longstanding regional allegiances, with the perception that regions with politicians in power will receive job opportunities and benefits. A recent poll by the IGR, a partner of the pan-African pollster Afrobarometer, forecasts Bio winning 56 percent of the vote, with Kamara receiving 43 percent. In the parliamentary election, the poll suggests that SLPP will secure between 56 and 61 percent of seats, with the APC party claiming the remainder.
Critics of Bio argue that the civic space has contracted during his tenure, as reflected in Sierra Leone’s declining score on the Freedom House annual index. The country’s score dropped from 66 percent in 2018 to 63 percent this year. The chief electoral commissioner, Mohamed Kenewui Konneh, expressed concerns that the opposition is focusing more on attacking the electoral body rather than campaigning effectively, potentially leading to voter confusion and decreased turnout. Polling stations will open on June 24 from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm, and the election will be conducted under a new proportional representation system after a last-minute switch from the previous first-past-the-post system.
