Malen Chiefdom in Pujehun District is preparing for a landmark Paramount Chieftaincy election scheduled for 14 June 2026, as 932 Tribal Authorities and Chiefdom Councilors are expected to cast their votes to choose a successor to the late Paramount Chief Victor Sidie Brima Kebbie III.
The election will bring an end to nearly three years of transitional leadership following his death on 14 August 2023.
Since the passing of the late chief, the affairs of the chiefdom have been administered by Regent Chief Alex Bockarie Lamin, who has overseen governance and traditional matters pending the election of a substantive Paramount Chief.
Located in the Southern Province, Malen Chiefdom is one of the most prominent chiefdoms in Pujehun District, with its headquarters in Sahn. The chiefdom is widely known for its agricultural activities and its role in national discussions on land governance and rural development.
According to election organizers, representatives from the chiefdom’s nine sections—Bahion, Sengila, Korwa, Kemoh, Takunor, Kaheamoh, Kapanda, Upper Pemba, and Lower Pemba—will participate in the voting process.
The race is expected to be fiercely contested, with 16 candidates cleared to contest under seven recognized ruling houses: Kebbie, Sengova, Sengeh, Oniel, Bakundu, Kortu, and Kai Magbie. The election forms part of Sierra Leone’s traditional governance system, under which Paramount Chiefs are elected by Tribal Authorities from recognized ruling families and serve as custodians of customary law, local administration, and community development.
Political observers and community stakeholders have described the forthcoming vote as one of the most significant traditional elections in recent years, given Malen Chiefdom’s influence within Pujehun District and the importance of the position in local governance.
Residents across the chiefdom have expressed hopes for a peaceful, transparent, and credible electoral process that will produce a leader capable of promoting unity, development, and reconciliation among communities.
The successful candidate will assume one of the most respected traditional leadership positions in the district, ushering in a new chapter for Malen Chiefdom as it continues to address development challenges and strengthen local governance structures.
