The Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) issued a press release today, revealing a catastrophic fire incident that ravaged its sub office in Gbinti Township, Karene District.

The fire, which occurred on Thursday, December 21, 2023, at approximately 8 p.m., completely consumed the building, resulting in the destruction of all electoral materials stored within.

Preliminary reports from the ECSL Headquarters attribute the cause of the inferno to an electrical fault, stemming from the activation of power within the township.

In the wake of this devastating event, the ECSL promptly reported the incident to the Police. Furthermore, an internal investigation has been launched to ascertain the exact cause of the fire and assess the extent of the damage incurred. The Commission has assured the public of transparency and pledges to disseminate the findings at the conclusion of the investigation.

Fortunately, the ECSL expressed relief in confirming the safety of its staff at the sub office, affirming that no injuries or fatalities resulted from the tragic incident. This unforeseen catastrophe, however, has caused significant material loss and disruption to electoral operations in the Karene District.

The ECSL remains committed to providing updates on the investigation’s progress and ensuring the integrity of its electoral processes despite this unfortunate setback.