By Alvin Lansana Kargbo
The Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) has officially declared Paramount Chief. Kulio A. M. B. Foray Jalloh III of Sambaia Chiefdom as the duly elected Paramount Chief Member of Parliament (PCMP) for Tonkolili District. This declaration follows the withdrawal of his only opponent, P.C. Bai Karari Haja Mama II of Tane Chiefdom, leaving him uncontested in the bye-election.
The announcement was made by Mohamed Kenewui Konneh, the Chief Electoral Commissioner and National Returning Officer, at the ECSL office on OAU Drive, Tower Hill in Freetown. The process was conducted under the constitutional authority of Sections 33, 72 and 74 (1) (a) of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone (Act No. 6 of 1991) and in accordance with Sections 98 to 101 of the Public Elections Act, 2022 (Act No. 17 of 2022).
The nomination period for the PCMP bye-election in Tonkolili District took place from Thursday, February 20, to Friday, February 21, 2025. Following the close of nominations, two candidates were confirmed eligible:
- P.C. Bai Karari Haja Mama II – Tane Chiefdom
- P.C. Kulio A. M. B. Foray Jalloh III – Sambaia Chiefdom
However, in a surprising turn, P.C. Bai Karari Haja Mama II officially submitted a withdrawal letter, effectively removing himself from the race. With no remaining contenders, P.C. Kulio Foray Jalloh III stood unopposed for the position.
By virtue of the ECSL’s legal mandate, P.C. Kulio Foray Jalloh III was declared the uncontested winner of the Paramount Chief Member of Parliament (PCMP) seat for Tonkolili District.
The ECSL emphasized that the decision was made in accordance with the 1991 Constitution and the Public Elections Act, 2022, which provide legal backing for the conduct of elections and the declaration of uncontested candidates as duly elected.
With this declaration, Hon. P.C. Kulio A. M. B. Foray Jalloh III will now represent Tonkolili District in Parliament, ensuring that the district’s traditional leadership continues to have a voice in national legislative affairs.
The Paramount Chief Member of Parliament (PCMP) position holds significant influence, as traditional leaders play a key role in governance, particularly in rural areas. With Hon. P.C. Kulio Foray Jalloh III now assuming office, expectations are high regarding his contributions to legislative debates, rural development policies and advocacy for traditional leadership interests.
