During the final announcement of the results for the Presidential election that was hotly contested in Sierra Leone by incumbent President Julius Maada Bio of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and Dr Samura Kamara of the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) Party, the Chief Electoral Commissioner, who is also the Returning Officer, Mohamed Kenewui Konneh, on the 27th June, 2023 declared Retired Brigadier Dr. Julius Maada Bio as the winner having secured One Million, Five Hundred and Sixty-Six thousand, Nine Hundred and Thirty Two (1,566,932) votes representing 56.17% of the total votes cast as against the opposition APC Presidential Flagbearer, Dr Samura Kamara who pulled a total of One Million One Hundred and Forty Eight Two Hundred and Sixty Two (1,148,262) representing just 41.16% of the votes. The valid votes that were cast amounted to: Two Million, Seven Hundred and Eighty Nine Eight Hundred and Eight (2,789,808) and the invalid votes amounted to: 10,883 (Ten Thousand Eight Hundred and Eighty Three).
Mohamed Konneh was, however, quick to state that any citizen who lawfully voted in the election may challenge the validity of the said election of the President by petition to the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone within seven days after the declaration of Presidential result pursuant to Section 54(1) of the Public Elections Act, 2022 (Act No. 17 of 2022).
The Chief Electoral Commissioner made the announcement at the Bintumani Conference Centre at Aberdeen in Freetown in the presence of International, Local Observers, the Press and Civil Society Organizations.
Worthy of note is that the Public Elections Act makes provision for a Presidential Candidate to secure 55% of votes cast in the first round of the election failing to do which will lead to the conduct of a runoff election in two weeks time.
However, in the case of the June 24, 2023 Presidential Election , President Bio secured more than 55% of the votes which automatically qualified him to be declared re-elected as the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone which therefore invariably prevented the conduct of a run-off election.
Prior to the final announcement of the Presidential result, a dangerous trend was rearing its ugly head in the sense that some individuals , mainly from the opposition APC Party, were hasty in peddling the false rumour that their Presidential Candidate, Dr Samura Kamara, has already won the election.
Reacting to the announcement, the President re-elect, Julius Maada Bio, congratulated the people of Sierra Leone for their resilience and for confiding their trust in him by re-electing him as President. He called on the opposition APC Party and all other forces to join him and his Government to move the country forward stressing that the time for politics must be regarded as the past further enjoining all to come onboard in order to roll out sound socio-economic policies that will take the country to another level for the betterment of the vast majority.
As the election result continues to filter down in various communities in the country, supporters of the SLPP started jubilating as electoral victory was widely celebrated.
The winner, President Bio, has already being sworn in as President re-elect.
The June 24 vote was the fifth since the end of Sierra Leone’s civil war in 2002 and was held amid high unemployment and inflation, as well as growing violent rhetoric.
Voting during the presidential, parliamentary and municipal elections was mostly peaceful.
The vital role played by NP (SL) Ltd in making it very possible for vehicular movement to take place, unfettered, by ensuring abundant availability of fuel in the form of petrol and diesel, during the entire electioneering period, can only be described as positive.
Gaining easy access to fuel and other petroleum products imported and marketed by the company for private and commercial use also made it possible for political parties, the election management body (ECSL), the Security Sector , Media Practitioners , Civil Society Organizations, the political aspirants and their supporters to move from one place to another, engaging in various political activities, during the electioneering period which finally culminated to the June 24, 2023 elections and thereafter.
On Polling Day, in particular, electoral materials and personnel were transported without much consideration given to fuel constraint, especially with regards gaining easy access to petrol or diesel. Certain people, as was the case with the two leading contenders, the incumbent President Julius Maada Bio and the main opposition contender, Samura Kamara, moved with their entourage at certain locations to cast their votes.
International as well as Local Observers representing various organizations that are in the country currently observing the conduct of the elections were also able to go about their assignments with ease without facing vehicular movement constraint that may have been caused largely by the lack of fuel. Fuel was available right across all the regions of the country.
As a company that is focused and well managed, NP (SL) Ltd, was very proactive and mindful of the sensitivity of the election calendar and therefore took the wise initiative to import an appreciable quantity of petrol and diesel ,that will last stock over time, with no doubt or fear that anything of the sort of scarcity will occur that would have impinged negatively on the electioneering calendar and landscape. Management of the company knew the importance of the period and acted well ahead of time truly depicting the caring nature of the business entity.
Is it therefore little wonder why NP (SL) Ltd had been held in high esteem for being 1st for Customer Care!
As a matter of fact, there is not a single iota of doubt that NP (SL) Ltd is a premier oil marketing company that has been doing extremely well in the areas of importing and marketing various petroleum products in the country, notably petrol, diesel, gas and lubricants of which the most outstanding is Castrol oil.
Without contesting the undiluted fact, this 100% indigenous company has left its footprint on the sands of time as it continues to bag wide commendations for its timeliness in always ensuring that qualitative petroleum products are imported into the country, distributed country wide to its sales points or Filling Stations across the country in order for its esteemed customers to easily gain access to them.
The company has never renege in doing so save only certain situations where, as a result of unforeseen contingencies, most often beyond its control, there has been some delay. However, in such circumstances measures are quickly rolled out to address them and restore normalcy in the supply chain.
Indeed, it could be said with all amount of certainty that the selflessness and dogged determination on the part of the 35 Sierra Leoneans who established the company are greatly influencing most of the policies that were adopted, effectively implemented which saw the transformation of a small business enterprise to a towering entity.
One of those laid down policies is that which places premium on enhancing or maximizing customer care to create a situation where its customers are always made to feel good and satisfied. The company’s Shareholders and Management are also conscious of the fact that by taking customer care to a higher pedestal such could serve as a leeway to attract other individuals to come on board its customer platform.
One very striking feature which NP-SL has so far exhibited, to the admiration of many, is its strict adherence to the country’s Local Content Policy. Development Economists have recommended that one viable route to be used to boost a country’s economy is to make effective use of indigenous resources, both material and human, as long as they are available. Enhancing local content has its attendant merits one of which is creating employment opportunities and ensuring that monies paid workers are not remitted overseas.
The NP-Sierra Leone Limited is one of the few companies in this country that has successfully implemented its internal policy of giving employment preference to Sierra Leoneans. This is indeed very impressive and is helping in major ways to reduce poverty.
If today NP Gas is going at the pace of the Concord, in terms of sales, then this is simply because it has been discovered that it is very fast, efficient and environmental friendly for cooking purposes. Besides, it can be refilled without going through the hassle of having to find gas elsewhere as the company markets gas alongside petrol, diesel and other lubricants. They are manufactured in different cylinder sizes and are easily accessible.
“NP Gas is my kitchen partner and I am finding it very cooperative. It is easy to handle and for me it poses no danger. I am therefore recommending it and for anyone to secure it there will be no regrets,” Mariatu Sesay a resident, living in Makeni recommended.
What is much talked about today, well not in social circles as social distancing is now the norm, is NP Smart Card. As the name suggests the card is so smart to such an extent that as long as it is loaded with money it can be slotted in the calibrated pumping machine and after demanding the amount of petrol or diesel requested for, it churns out the exact amount plus displaying the price. It is trending, secured and convenient to use.
“NP Smart Card works well and since I have been using it I always procure fuel for my car and generator in record time. Using it, there are many benefits one can derive,” a Civil Servant, Mohamed Jusu, underscored.
The company does not joke with rolling out its Corporate Social Responsibility fully aware that it is incumbent on it as a business entity to give back to society. This is all the more reason why it has been complementing the Government’s development interventions.
The timely interventions and the sterling and well thought out decisions or initiatives that Management of the company rolls out, especially during critical moments, has made NP(SL)Ltd very relevant to development.
In an engagement that took place at Atlantic Hotel on June 25, 2023 , newsmen were informed by the Eminent Women Peace Mediators , comprising indigenous Sierra Leonean women committed to promoting peaceful, free, fair and credible elections and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) as well as the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund, that it has been managing an Elections Situation Room from where it partly observed and monitored the 2023 multi-tier elections in Sierra Leone.
In her statement, Secretary for the Eminent Women Peace Mediators-SL, Ebun James-Dekam, noted that on Election Day they observed an atmosphere filled with anticipation and enthusiasm as citizens eagerly exercised their democratic rights further disclosing how their observers and the Call Centre (Toll-free 522) reported the late arrival of voting materials which led to delays and incidents of unrest at several polling stations underscoring that those challenges were reported predominantly in the Western Area and the Northern Region.
“Media coverage during the start of voting was extensive and diverse, reflecting the significance of the electoral process. Various news outlets across television, radio, and online platforms provided mostly neutral and factual information about the voting process, voter turnout, and key developments at Polling Stations. This played a crucial role in keeping citizens informed and updated on the election processes,” she continued.
Some of the key themes and issues, she said, they observed included: “Voter Turnout: which according to her was encouraging, with long queues of voters seen at various polling centers, demonstrating the citizens’ eagerness to participate in the democratic process.
In terms of Electoral Logistics, the organization’s Secretary said it observed that Polling Officers were deployed on time , very few Polling Centres kept to the 7 am start time maintaining how delayed arrival of voting materials was reported in multiple polling centers, resulting in further delays saying in some cases voting was delayed till early afternoon leading to unrest. The Eminent Women proffered the need for improved logistics to ensure the smooth functioning of future elections.
In the area of Election Security she informed how they observed the presence of security personnel across Polling Stations contributing to a generally secure and peaceful environment during the voting process furthering that pregnant and nursing women were given priority in the voting lines, although the late start at some Polling Stations presented some difficulties.
In addition, the organization said it observed an impressive turnout of women voters, including first time young women voters pointing out how the ECSL reported that there was at least 1 woman polling agent at every polling station across the country, women serving as party agents, national observers and in the media.
According to the Eminent Women Peace Mediators ,women were also prominently represented among security personnel and with regards Persons with Disabilities and Other Vulnerable Groups it said efforts were made to prioritize early voting for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and persons with disabilities.
Ebun James-Dekam, Secretary, Eminent Women Peace Mediators-SL noted that, however, challenges were identified particularly during the chaotic morning hours, where some Polling Centers fell short of accommodating these individuals, especially in centres where prominent politicians voted. She stressed that in addition very few centres made any special structural provisions for PWDs.
Secretary for Eminent Women Peace Mediators-SL said Social media platforms played significant roles in shaping public discourse and disseminating election-related information adding that while citizen engagement was observed, there were instances of misinformation, hate messages, and voter intimidation, highlighting the need for continued vigilance and fact-checking efforts.
In highlighting key incident reports of specific challenges faced by voters, the organization mentioned Voter IDs available but with missing names from voter lists, alleged attempted ballot stuffing, delay in the voting process due to late arrival of voting materials and issues related to accessibility for individuals with disabilities. The organization emphasized that some of the incidents were addressed through discussions with presiding officers, party agents, and relevant authorities.
Others, it said, could not be addressed and some people could not exercise their right to vote but stated that as the voting process continues and the results are tabulated, the Eminent Women Peace Mediators emphasizes the importance of addressing the identified challenges and ensuring transparency and accountability in the electoral process stressing that the influence of Social Media requires ongoing monitoring to combat misinformation and hate speech effectively.
The Eminent Women Peace Mediators by registering that the group remains committed to upholding the principles of fairness, peace, and inclusivity in Sierra Leone’s democratic journey further extending gratitude to all stakeholders for their collaboration and dedication to a peaceful electoral process.
An alarming HIV/AIDS statistics in Sierra Leone was recently disclosed by the Senior Technical Advisor for Human Rights and Key Population, Amara S. Lebbie, during a media engagement at the HIV/AIDS Secretariat in Freetown.
According to Lebbie, there are over 81,000 individuals currently living with HIV in the country, with more than 22,000 not receiving treatment, posing a significant public health threat.
The event, supported by the Global Fund against HIV, Tuberculosis, and Malaria, as well as the Consortium for the Advancement of Rights of Key Affected Population (CARKAP), revealed that 11.8% of female sex workers in Sierra Leone are HIV-positive a figure that is said to be higher than the prevalence rates among men and other key populations.
Lebbie cited data from the 2019 Sierra Leone Demography Survey, stating that the national adult prevalence rate has nearly doubled from 0.9% in 2002 to 1.7% currently saying various key population groups exhibit higher HIV prevalence rates, necessitating targeted interventions to control the epidemic among them.
He said to increase testing availability, Self-Test Kits have been introduced, allowing individuals to test themselves for HIV and in terms of human rights, the HIV/AIDS Secretariat has developed a comprehensive strategy involving various stakeholders to ensure an inclusive environment for People Living with HIV.
Abdul Rahman Chernoh Sesay, Director General of the National AIDS Secretariat (NAS), emphasized the organization’s commitment to developing and implementing an effective strategic plan encompassing prevention, treatment, care, and the protection of human rights.
NAS collaborates closely with CARKAP to bridge gaps in HIV/AIDS response and reach all affected populations through a public health approach.
Sesay urged individuals to prioritize HIV testing and treatment, emphasizing the collective responsibility to combat the epidemic for the betterment of Sierra Leone.
President of Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Ahmed Sahid Nasralla has commended all media houses and journalists deployed to cover the June 24 general elections across the country for doing their work professionally and impartially.
He was speaking at a press conference held at SLAJ headquarters on Campbell Street in Freetown on Monday, 26th June 2023.
According to the SLAJ President, “The conduct of journalists and media houses on polling day so far is encouraging, professional and impartial”.
He maintained that it is worthy to note that the Coordinator of the Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG), Dr. Francis Sowa also hailed the media for its professional performance on polling day.
Ahmed Sahid Nasralla added that, “we have received complaints from the leadership of the Independent Radio Network (IRN) about a broadcast by Justice Radio FM accusing the platform of holding secret meetings with the main opposition Presidential Candidate, Dr. Samura Kamara to ensure that the platform announces results from Polling Stations that are favourable to the candidate and his party.
The SLAJ President continued that the radio station further called on the Sierra Leone Police to stop the platform from announcing provincial results from polling stations, and urged the public to stop listening to the platform.
According to the SLAJ President, there were no reported incidents of threats or attacks/assaults against journalists or media houses on polling day across the country.
He lamented that, however, a group of journalists (including foreign journalists) were trapped at the All People’s Congress headquarters on Old Railway Line, Brookfields, Freetown, on Sunday 25th June 2023, while covering the party’s Press Conference during which the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) fired tear gas to disperse the crowd of supporters that had gathered in and around the building.
Ahmed Sahid Nasralla said after receiving distress calls from the journalists and their media houses, SLAJ contacted the SLP and requested their intervention to get colleagues out of the building adding that the SLP Regional Commander, Freetown West, Sylvester Koroma, ensured the journalists were escorted out of the building unhurt.
He said, nevertheless, SLAJ received complaint from one of the journalists, Ibrahim Alusine Kamara, Managing Editor of Salone Compass newspaper, alleging that his vehicle, which he used to drive to the APC office for the press conference, was vandalized by security officials.
The President said that in as much as Social Media continues to be a concern for the spread of disinformation, fake news, hate speech and political propaganda, especially during the elections they condemn the rampant spread of dis/misinformation of elections results from sources that do not have the authority to do so reiterating that it is only the Elections Commission of Sierra Leone that has that constitutional authority.
He said meanwhile, SLAJ recognizes the efforts by the IRN platform of radio stations, TV stations, and newspapers in covering the elections in a professional and impartial way amidst difficult circumstances.
“We also recognize the great work by our team of Fact-checkers working on the UNDP I-Verify platform and the NDI Super News Room for timely fact-checking of problematic content around the elections and helping the public to have access to accurate and factual information,” he acknowledged and urged journalists to continue to perform their roles responsibly, professionally and impartially.”
The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) held a press conference on 26 June 2023 at the Radisson Blu Conference hall in Freetown, where Chief Observer Evin Incir, Member of the European Parliament, presented the preliminary statement regarding the 24 June general elections in Sierra Leone.
Incir praised the voters’ dedication and resolve in exercising their democratic rights and recognized the positive contribution of citizen observers at polling centers. She also acknowledged the introduction of a 30% gender quota for party lists, which enhanced women’s participation in political life.
However, Incir noted that the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) was operationally prepared until election day, when delays and omissions in delivering sensitive materials occurred without proper explanation. The ECSL’s lack of clear, timely, and comprehensive communication with the public led to uncertainties and reduced trust in the electoral process. In the highly polarized political environment, Incir stressed the importance of ensuring full transparency and unimpeded access to observers during the tabulation of results.
The 2023 elections were conducted under a revised electoral framework, with legal reforms following broad stakeholder consultations in line with international good practices. The ECSL registered candidates for all races in an inclusive process, with 13 candidates contesting the presidential election and 877 running for parliamentary seats. However, the absence of caps on campaign donations or expenditures favored wealthier candidates, and incumbency misuse hampered the level playing field.
While freedom of movement, assembly, and expression were largely respected during the early campaign period, politically-motivated attacks closer to election day limited political participation in several districts. The disproportionate use of force by security agencies heightened tensions, and divisive content on social media fueled discord. On a positive note, the national fact-checking initiative iVerify vigorously countered disinformation, and media debates in all districts enabled voters to make informed choices.
Georgios Kyrtsos, Head of Delegation of Members of the European Parliament, urged Sierra Leone’s leaders and citizens to address any disputes arising from the electoral process peacefully, using available legal avenues, and to preserve the hard-won peace achieved over the past 21 years.
The EU EOM mission, present in Sierra Leone since 11 May, will continue to observe the tabulation of results and will publish its final report, including recommendations for improving the electoral framework, in the coming months.
FREETOWN, June 26, 2023 – President Julius Maada Bio addressed the nation today, urging Sierra Leoneans to maintain peace and respect public order laws as the country awaits the announcement of the final presidential election results. On June 24, citizens across the nation voted for various national and local council offices.
The Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) is responsible for managing, tabulating, and announcing election outcomes. As of this afternoon, the Chief Electoral Commissioner of ECSL has announced 60% of the presidential election results.
While the nation awaits the final results, President Bio called on all citizens to refrain from inciting violence or engaging in violent actions. He emphasized the importance of avoiding provocative and retaliatory behavior, and encouraged citizens to foster peace within their communities and social and political affiliations.
President Bio also urged the police and security forces to act with restraint and provide equal protection to all citizens, emphasizing that every individual’s constitutional rights are equally important and must be respected.
Reaffirming his commitment to an inclusive, peaceful, fair, and transparent electoral process, President Bio stressed the need for the nation to maintain its hard-won democracy and uphold its constitution. He reminded citizens of the country’s difficult history and the responsibility to avoid returning to such a dark period.
In his closing remarks, President Bio asked the nation to patiently await the final results from ECSL and thanked the people for their participation. He expressed his gratitude and offered blessings for the future of Sierra Leone.
The Sierra Leone Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) has announced the release of partial results for the Presidential, Parliamentary, and Local Council Elections held on June 24th, on Monday 26th June 2023 at Bintumani International Conference Hall.
The ECSL conducted the elections simultaneously in compliance with Section 33 and 38A of the Constitution of Sierra Leone and Sections 7 and 68(1) of the Public Elections Act, 2022.
As the National Returning Officer, the ECSL has released partial results for the Presidential election, representing 60 percent of the total polling stations results processed in each districts. These results were cleared by the ECSL Result Management systems at Regional Tally Centres in Freetown, Bo, Kenema, Makeni, and Port Loko.
It is important to note that these results are partial and do not represent the final outcome of the election. The ECSL assures the public that the remaining results will be released in due course as the commission works tirelessly to ensure a free, fair, and transparent election process.
The Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), Mohamed Kenewui Konneh, has declared that the official results of the country’s presidential election will be released within the next 48 hours.
Konneh made this announcement during an interview with AYV on Monday, June 26, 2023, confirming the progress that has been made so far in tallying the results across regional centers throughout the country. He noted that the process was being monitored in a transparent manner by political party observers, media, and international and national observers.
In response to calls for the projection of results across tallying centers, Konneh explained that the commission had not made any provisions for projecting figures. However, he stated that collated results were being printed out and data given to observers at various stages of the process.
Sierra Leoneans have been eagerly awaiting the results of the presidential election, which was held on June 24, 2023. The election featured a total of 13 candidates, including the incumbent president, Julius Maada Bio, who was seeking a second term in office.
The announcement of the election results is expected to be a significant milestone for the country, as it seeks to maintain its democratic stability and progress following years of political instability and civil war.
During a press conference held on Sunday 25th June, 2023 at the Bintumani Conference Center on Aberdeen in Freetown, the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) has briefed the press on the commission’s preliminary statement on polling day, following the completion of the voting exercise.
The commission expressed its satisfaction with the overall conduct of the elections, commending Sierra Leoneans for their exemplary behavior and commitment to peaceful, credible, and transparent elections. The ICPNC also extended its gratitude to the government, civil society organizations, and international partners for their support in ensuring a successful electoral process.
The ICPNC acknowledged the challenges faced during the election process, particularly the emerging tensions and the increase in violent incidents across various districts in the country. The commission called on all Sierra Leoneans to remain peaceful and law-abiding while awaiting the official announcement of the election results by the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL).
The ICPNC also urged the ECSL to expedite the announcement of the election results to avoid further tension and anxiety among the citizens. The commission emphasized the need for transparency and credibility in the announcement of the results, stressing that it is crucial for maintaining peace and national cohesion.
In conclusion, the ICPNC reiterated its commitment to promoting peace, national cohesion, and democratic governance in Sierra Leone. The commission urged all citizens and stakeholders to work together towards building a prosperous and peaceful Sierra Leone for all.
Read the preliminary statement below:
24th June 2023
Preliminary Statement on Election Day
This preliminary statement is issued by the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) on polling day, following the completion of the voting exercise. Please note that other critical processes, such as tallying and collation, are still pending. The observations outlined in this statement are limited to the period between the commencement of voting at 7:00 am and the close of polls at 5:00 pm. The ICPNC, through its team of Monitors and Mediators, is actively engaged in the process and will issue additional statements in the coming days as necessary.
The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC), established by an Act of Parliament in 2020, is mandated to undertake measures aimed at preventing conflicts, managing or resolving incidents leading to conflicts, and advising the government on peace and national cohesion.
In preparation for the Elections, the Commission trained 650 Peace Monitors and 160 Mediators who were deployed across the 16 districts of the country to identify and report issues that pose actual or potential threats to peace and national cohesion. Additionally, the Commission established a Peace Situation Room to receive and analyze reports from the field, with key institutions like the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL), the Office of National Security (ONS) and the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) for swift response through their various referral desks set up in its Peace Situation Room, and at strategic level led by a team of National Mediators who have remained in contact with the leadership of the Elections Management Bodies (EMBs), the ONS and the Police. We were actively involved in negotiating the release of those arrested and detained for demonstration-related offences. Furthermore, we used preventive diplomacy to mediate between the APC party and the Elections Commission Sierra Leone, co-chairing this effort with the (Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC).
Our team of national mediators was supported by four experienced women mediators from FemWise-Africa, with support from the African Union (AU). Our partnerships with institutions such as the Legal Aid Board, the SLP, the Early Warning and Response Coordinating Center, the Independent Media Commission (IMC), the iVerify Project of SLAJ/BBC Media (which focuses on debunking fake news and misinformation), and the PPRC, have all contributed to ensuring that our responses and interventions were timely and effective.
Thus far, the Commission’s Call Center, through its 898 toll-free line, has received 2,407 calls and 966 WhatsApp alerts and videos from our district peace monitors. These reports include isolated cases of threats or violence related to allegations of ballot stuffing, late commencement of voting and supply of voting materials in some areas, particularly in the Western Area. Other reported issues include intimidation of polling staff by certain individuals, late deployment and insufficient security personnel, among others. These factors have contributed to increased political tension in some polling stations, particularly in the Western Area, as reported by the ICPNC Peace Monitors. Additionally, we responded to reports of security threats to ECSL staff, mainly from the Western Area, by coordinating with the security sector to ensure their safety.
Upon receiving these reports, our team of analysts, comprising Media, Data, Security, Legal, Political, and Human Rights Experts, consulted and made necessary referrals to the relevant institutions and authorities for swift remedial actions. The Commission observed that the overall situation was peaceful from the start to the closing of the polls.
We acknowledge the commendable role and commitment of traditional and social media outlets in disseminating peaceful messages and advice to the public, urging them to refrain from violence and maintain peace and security throughout the process. However, we note that there were numerous instances of misinformation, particularly on social media, which had the potential to fuel unnecessary tension in and around polling areas. Therefore, we urge the general public to cultivate the habit of verifying or fact-checking content before sharing information on social media to minimize the spread of disinformation, particularly during and after the elections.
Conclusion
The ICPNC would like to congratulate all Sierra Leoneans for exercising their democratic rights on 24th June 2023. We are proud of the level of patriotism demonstrated during the course of fulfilling their civic responsibilities. We remind all citizens that, as a nation, we have a sacred duty to maintain and protect the peace of our country at all times. We urge everyone to remain peaceful and law-abiding, and allow ECSL personnel to carry out their duties without any impediments as we await the official announcement of results.
The ICPNC has observed several emerging post-voting tensions and an increase in violent incidents across various districts in the country. Therefore, we call upon the security forces to enhance vigilance and security in all parts of the country as we approach the conclusion of this aspect of the election process.
Finally, we would like to remind everyone that while there can only be one winner in this democratic race, we can all be winners if we conclude the elections process in a peaceful manner.
May the Almighty GOD continue to sustain peace in our beloved Sierra Leone!
