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In the aftermath of the Sierra Leone People’s Party lower-level elections in the Northern District of Tonkolili, the former Chairman of the Tonkolili District Council was defeated in the race for the party’s Chairmanship in Constituency 054.
The Constituency covers Kunike Folawusu and Kunike Sanda Chiefdoms.
Many political analysts are left dumbfounded after learning that Alusine ‘Kamathor’ Sesay was defeated by his opponent, Tariq Omar Sadique, in an area believed to be his political base.
Kamathor, as he’s fondly called, was Tonkolili District Council Chairman from 2012 – 2018 under the ticket of the main opposition party, the All People’s Congress. But he parted ways with the APC in 2023 after his official resignation following intra-party squabbles between him and some stakeholders in the party. He defected to the Sierra Leone People’s Party and contested for the Chairmanship of the Tonkolili District Council in the 2023 general elections, but this time, under his new party, the SLPP.
To solidify his political base within the district under the SLPP, the former Chairman contested for the Chairmanship of the party in his home Constituency against Sadique, another grassroots politician in the area.
The elections were conducted under a tense atmosphere in Mamanso Sanka village on March 1st, 2025, where houses were reportedly damaged.
Several skirmishes were reported in Constituency 054 elections, including the wounding of the Officer Commanding the Masingbi Police Station, who was on the scene with his men to ensure public safety.
Amidst tension, voting was able to take place, and the former District Council Chairman was comfortably defeated by Tariq Omar Tarique.
However, the former District Council Chairman has refuted claims that he was defeated. Speaking over the phone, Kamathor said there have been no elections for the Chairmanship of Constituency 054. He argued that only elections for Chaplin and another position were conducted on that day when tension flared in the area.
“I left the area immediately I envisaged riotous conduct. I foresee a semblance of an unusual atmosphere in the area, and I have to leave. So, there’s no election for the Chairmanship,” the former Chairman said.
Robert Salia Kamara, the Secretary General of the Sierra Leone People’s Party in Tonkolili District, said the Secretariat and the District Executive, by extension, have received the results of Constituency 054, which shows that the former District Council Chairman lost to his opponent.
Mbalu Binta Jalloh and Haja Adama Abu Abu Koroma, who served as the Returning Officers of the Constituency 54 elections, have announced the results, which show that Tariq Omar Sadique was the winner and Chairman-elect, the SLPP Secretary-General said.
According to the rules, Salia said, Sectional elections are conducted by the Chiefdom Executive, Chiefdom elections are to be conducted by the Constituency Executive, while the District Executive conducts the Constituency election.
For the elections in Constituency 54, Kamara said they ensured the rules were followed, and as District Executive, he added they have signed the results because they’re valid.
For the party, Salia said, it’s Tariq Omar Sadique, who is recognised as the winner and Chairman-elect of the said election.
Concerns Regarding Misinformation on Recent Constituency 054 Elections in Mamanso Folawusu Chiefdom;
Dear Sierra Loaded Team,
I want to express my sincere appreciation for the invaluable information you have provided to Sierra Leoneans over the years. Many, including myself, place significant trust in your articles, as they are seen as credible sources of news. However, I must challenge the validity of the recent article regarding the elections, as the information presented is fundamentally flawed and inappropriate given the circumstances.
The claim that the elections were conducted smoothly is false. How can someone be declared a winner when no elections took place? Before the supposed elections, there were riots, and evidence indicates that thugs were brought in from Makeni and Magburaka to incite chaos. As I write this, more than 20 individuals are injured from attacks involving knives and sticks, and there are alarming reports of human remains of bones. This raises serious questions about the motives behind the elections being held in Mamanso rather than Masingbi, which is far more accessible.
Mr. Reporter, your dedication to advocating for the voiceless in our district is commendable, but it is vital that you do not let personal interests compromise the integrity of your work. It is clear that a re-run of the elections is forthcoming, likely orchestrated by the PPRC, due to the numerous electoral irregularities that have come to light. Furthermore, a candidate cannot simultaneously oversee their own election—this is a blatant conflict of interest.
I urge you to seek authentic evidence before publishing any claims, as Sierra Loaded holds a prominent place in the hearts of Sierra Leoneans. The decision to label someone as a winner amidst this turmoil raises serious concerns about the integrity and motives of those involved. Instead of highlighting the ongoing injuries and violence that have left over twenty individuals severely harmed, the focus seems misdirected.
The electoral situation in Tonkolili is dire, with the majority of constituencies poised for re-runs due to significant irregularities. I apologize if my words come off as confrontational, but I feel it is necessary to convey my belief in your platform’s potential.
Regards,
A Concerned Youth in Tonkolili
Kunike Sanda Chiefdom, Constituency 054.
Congratulation from my side to mr Tariq as chairman-elect for the SLPP in constituency 054,i wish you all the best inorder to bring peace to the entire region