Over 1000 Sierra Leoneans who are to perform hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) this year, are to be left out from voting on the June 24th General Elections in the country.

It was learnt after the Head of communication at the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone, Mr. George, informed the press that the commission will not give pilgrims the privilege to vote before their departure to the Holy lands of Mecca.

He made this statement at the usual press briefing organized by the Ministry of Information and Communication on Thursday.

According to George, the country’s constitution does not make provisions for special privileges to be accorded to voters who fall in such circumstances, adding that it’s unwise to allow people vote before the slated time.

He elucidated that indeed an approach was made in protocol through the office of the Attorney General but that does not constitute any privilege that should be given to any set of people because of religious reasons.

“The primary motive of the ECSL is to conduct a free and fair election. Even foreign observers are free to interact with the commission and even raise questions if there is any.”, He noted.

Earlier, the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) on the 10th February, 2023 rolled out discussion on the regulations for early voting for Hajj Pilgrims.

This was done in line with Section 33 of the 1991 Constitution of Sierra Leone due to pilgrims leaving for hajj before the official date of the elections.

Hajj is a sacred journey and is one of the 5 pillars of Islam. This year, Hajj is expected to begin on 26th June 2023, and is to continue till the evening of Friday, 30th June, 2023. Pilgrims are to leave their respective countries by May.