Sierra Leone: The counting of the presidential elections has begun
On June 25, 2023, Sierra Leone held its legislative, local and presidential elections. The counting of the ballots began a few hours after the closing of the polls. More than 3.4 million voters were called upon to elect their Parliament, local councils and especially their future president.
Despite the fact that the poll was described as “peaceful” by the electoral commission, it still pointed to “logistical problems” due to the “late” distribution of electoral materials in some areas where the poll was extended.
Outgoing President Julius Maada Bio is seeking a second term and faces 12 candidates, including his main opponent, Samura Kamara. The two men had clashed in the 2018 presidential elections, which saw Julius Maada Bio emerge victorious.
One of the main concerns of voters is the high cost of living, given the inflation that has hit the country lately. Riots took place in August 2022, killing 33 people, following a strong exasperation of the population towards the government.
In order to be elected in the first round, one of the candidates must collect 55% of the votes. The first results should be announced in the next few hours.
Sierra Leone, which suffered a long civil war from 1991 to 2002, hopes to see these elections strengthen the political and economic stability of the country.