First Lady Did Not Interfere in Kenema Women’s Leader Election – Returning Officer Leema Explains

Lahai Lawrence Leema, the returning officer during the recent Women’s Leader Election in Kenema, has responded to public concerns about an incident involving First Lady Fatima Maada Bio during the voting process.

During the election, three out of the five candidates objected to the use of mobile phones in the voting booths. They raised concerns about how phones could affect the fairness of the process. Following this, Leema and his team announced that phones would not be allowed. Despite the announcement, some delegates were later seen entering the booths with phones, which led to confusion inside the hall.

At that point, while Leema was making announcements related to the election, the First Lady walked up to him and took the microphone before addressing the delegates. She stated that no one would be searched before voting and that voters could take what they wanted into the booth. Although she did not mention phones directly, her statement came shortly after the phone rule had been introduced.

In a recent media interview, Leema clarified the situation. He said the First Lady did not grab the microphone or interrupt his duties. According to him, she approached while he was speaking, and he saw that she wanted to raise a point. He asked her if she wanted to speak, and when she said yes, he handed her the microphone.

Leema said that because the hall was noisy at the time, he sat quietly while she spoke. He also said the First Lady was in the hall as a delegate, like others, and had the right to raise a concern. According to him, once the hall became calm again, he returned to his role and continued managing the election.
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Leema stated that the First Lady did not interfere with the election and that her remarks were part of the ongoing discussions taking place during the voting.