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Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio and The Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) have announced that a re-run of the 2023 Presidential elections will be held on Monday, April 1, 2024.
The new election date was announced on Monday, April 1, 2024, in a joint press conference at the State House in Freetown to mark this year’s April Fool’s Day.
In attendance was President Julius Maada Bio, the Chief Electoral Commissioner, Mohammed Konneh, Leader of the opposition All People’s Congress Party (APC), Samura Kamara and Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh.
It would be recalled that President Julius Maada Bio was declared winner of the June 2023 Presidential elections after securing nearly 57 percent in the first round. However, concerns were by raised by both local and international observers about irregularities in the results announced by the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL).
The opposition All People’s Congress (APC) also boycotted governance activities in protest of alleged irregulates occasioned by the election.Β However, they returned to governance after an agreement of national unity was signed with the government following a mediated dialogue led by ECOWAS.
The decision to conduct a re-run follows a thorough investigation into the 2023 election, conducted by a Tripartite Committee established after the mediated dialogue in October 2023.
In his statement, President Bio said he decided to allow a re-run of the Presidential elections to show his popularity among the Sierra Leonean electorates.
“The rerun of the presidential election is a testament to our unwavering commitment to democracy and the will of the Sierra Leonean people. We are confident that this process will reaffirm the overwhelming support for our party and showcase our dedication to fair and transparent governance.”
Chief Electoral Commissioner Mohammed Konneh allayed concerns of the public and international observers by assuring them that the electoral process of the re-run election will be handled transparently and professionally.
“We have learnt our lessons from the previous election. Ensuring the fairness and transparency of the electoral process is our utmost priority, and we are committed to upholding the democratic principles of Sierra Leone.” Konneh said.
Opposition party leader Samura Kamara welcomed the re-run election adding that it would reflect the will of the Sierra Leonean People. He said: “This decision to rerun the presidential election raises serious questions about the credibility of our electoral system.
“Let me state clearly that our people are curiously waiting to see the outcome of this re-run, that has to be a path to restoring democracy and the people’s vote. To bring him back the stolen votes. This is what our leadership (APC) stands for. We will closely monitor the process to ensure that the will of the people is respected and upheld.”
Did you enjoy the story you have just read? You Have been Pranked! πππππ
There will be no re-run of Sierra Leone 2023 Presidential election.
That’s just how we say Happy April Fool’s Day π€£
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