Imperi Chiefdom Begins Declaration of Rights for Paramount Chieftaincy Election

The traditional landscape of Bonthe District took a major step forward on Saturday, April 18, 2026, as the Imperi Chiefdom commenced the official “Declaration of Rights” for its upcoming Paramount Chieftaincy election.

The exercise, held at the Kpangbama Belleh Town Court Barray, is a foundational ritual in Sierra Leonean local governance, where candidates must prove their ancestral claims to the throne.

A total of nine aspirants presented themselves before officials and tribal authorities to defend their lineage. The Declaration of Rights serves as the primary vetting mechanism to ensure that only those with legitimate hereditary claims from recognised Ruling Houses proceed to the ballot.

The Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) has taken a central role in the proceedings to ensure the transition of power remains transparent and credible. A high-level delegation, led by Commissioner Alex Pat Labib Saffa, is currently on the ground providing direct oversight.

The ECSL’s involvement, in collaboration with the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, signals a move toward harmonising traditional customs with modern electoral standards.

Despite the high stakes of the election, the atmosphere in Kpangbama Belleh was reported as peaceful, with the Sierra Leone Police maintaining a professional presence to ensure security while preserving the cultural integrity of the proceedings.

Additionally, officials are continuing the meticulous task of assessing the eligibility of each aspirant. Once the Declaration of Rights is concluded and the final list of qualified candidates is confirmed, the ECSL is expected to announce the formal date for the final Paramount Chieftaincy election.

The Commission’s stopover in the chiefdom reaffirms a commitment to ensuring that the voice of the Imperi people is reflected through a fair and culturally rooted democratic process.

Chieftaincy elections are normally conducted under heightened tension among contestants and their supporters. Paramount Chiefs in Sierra Leone rule till death once elected.