The Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) has announced a suspension of the upcoming bye-election for the position of Chairman, District Council, Kenema District.
This decision follows a court injunction issued by the Attorney General, with the matter now pending a hearing before the High Court of Sierra Leone.
The bye-election, initially scheduled for November 16, 2024, was set to replace the late Chairman of the Kenema District Council. However, the legal development has brought the process to an abrupt halt, delaying the anticipated electoral proceedings.
The Screening, Consensus Building, and Elections Committee (SCBEC), established to oversee the candidate selection process, had completed its initial screening phase when the court injunction disrupted the process.
Composed of high-profile members, including Alhaji Alpha Kallon and Mrs. Hellen Farmer, the SCBEC arrived in Kenema on September 26, 2024, and began screening the four submitted applications for the chairman position. Three candidates participated in the screening, while one, Ms. Amie Zombo, failed to attend.
Delays ensued on September 27, 2024, as the National Secretariat postponed the proceedings to accommodate objections raised by candidates.
Despite addressing these issues and preparing for the election, the SCBEC received news of the court order, suspending all electoral activities. While two candidates accepted the legal decision, frustrations erupted among the delegates, with nearly 98% expressing discontent.
The SCBEC expressed concern over the potential political ramifications of the delay in Kenema, a stronghold for the ruling party.
The committee remains committed to ensuring a fair and transparent election and has returned to Freetown for further instructions, as the situation remains unresolved.
