The All People’s Congress (APC) has officially requested clarification from the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) regarding the 2023 presidential election results.
In a formal letter addressed to ECSL Chairman Mohamed Kenewui Konneh, the APC highlighted concerns over statistical inconsistencies and discrepancies in the results announced on June 26, 2023.
Dated June 10, 2024, the APC’s letter detailed several specific issues, notably instances where the average number of valid votes per polling station exceeded the 300 voter threshold in eight districts.
Citing Section 84(1) of the Public Elections Act of 2022, the APC argued that results from polling stations with votes surpassing the number of registered voters should be invalidated. The party demanded the annulment of results from the affected districts and called for fresh elections.
Moreover, the APC pointed out an unusually low percentage of invalid votes at 0.39%, a figure that deviates significantly from historical trends. They also raised concerns over inconsistencies between the partial results announced on June 26, 2023, and the final results, questioning the integrity of the electoral process.
In response, the ECSL confirmed receipt of the APC’s letter in a communication dated June 12, 2024. Signed by the Executive Secretary, the ECSL’s letter referenced prior correspondences and a five-hour meeting held with the Cross-Party Committee on May 28, 2024.
The ECSL asserted that the APC’s letter did not comply with the administrative procedures outlined in the Terms of Reference of the Cross-Party Committee on Electoral Systems and Management Bodies Review.
The ECSL emphasized that the issues raised by the APC had been addressed in earlier discussions and documented communications.
Copies of the ECSL’s response were sent to various stakeholders, including the Chief Electoral Commissioner, Chairpersons of the Cross-Party Committee, all diplomatic missions, the APC National Secretary General, the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, and the Inter-Religious Council.
This exchange between the APC and the ECSL underscores the ongoing tensions and the need for greater transparency and accountability in Sierra Leone’s electoral process. Resolving these concerns is essential to maintaining public trust and ensuring the credibility of future elections in the country.
