Sierra Leone is holding a crucial presidential and parliamentary elections on Saturday, 24th June 2023.
The ECOWAS Observation Mission have been continuing preventive diplomacy initiatives to ensure peaceful general elections in Sierra Leone on Saturday.
It has met with the 13 presidential candidates or their Reps including Prez Julius Bio. It is also engaging with CSOs
In a joint statement, the ECOWAS & AU Missions have expressed concern over “violence and intimidation” reported in some parts of the country. They warned that the incidents could mar the peaceful conduct of the elections and therefore called on all political stakeholders to do their part toward ensuring a peaceful electoral process in line with national, regional and international standards.
MUST READ: 8 Young Footballers Perished in Vehicle Crash Monday in Sierra Leone
This will be the fifth election since the end of the country’s brutal civil war, which ended 21 years ago.
Sierra Leone has also faced devastating epidemics, including Ebola in 2014 and the Covid pandemic.
Twelve candidates are challenging Maada Bio, 59, in the general election, including the leader of the opposition ‘All People Congress’ (APC) party, Samura Kamara.
Kamara, a former cabinet minister, 72, is facing trial on corruption charges which he denies. The case has been adjourned until after the general election.
Sierra Leoneans are concerned about several issues, including economic management, food shortages, healthcare services, infrastructure development, and education.
Many citizens say they are frustrated with high inflation rates and unemployment levels, as well as political violence and corruption.
