The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) Electoral Commission has released a notice regarding the upcoming national and regional elections scheduled for June 7, 2025, in Freetown.

In a statement, the Commission confirmed that no petitions were received following the publication of the nomination names.

In a notable development, Jonathan Hindolo Kurabu, who was nominated for the position of Vice President, has officially withdrawn his nomination, and this request has been accepted by the Commission.

Additionally, Sherbora Kamara, nominated for the role of Public Affairs Secretary in the Northern Region, has been disqualified for failing to comply with Article 7(3) of the SLAJ Constitution. This article stipulates that candidates for executive positions must be fully paid-up members for at least three consecutive years prior to the election.

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The Commission also announced the start of the campaign period for SLAJ members, which commenced on March 31 and will run until June 5, 2025. The Commission urges all participants to engage in their campaign activities with civility and respect for their opponents.

The SLAJ Electoral Commission has emphasized its commitment to maintaining the integrity of the association, warning against any campaigns that may undermine its image. Offenders will be reported to the SLAJ Electoral Court.

Furthermore, the Commission has issued a strong warning regarding any attempts to influence or bribe commissioners during the election process. Members are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the rules and regulations governing the conduct of the SLAJ 2025 elections to ensure a fair and transparent electoral process.

Below are the list of candidates:

NATIONAL

# Position Candidate(s)
1 President Alhaji Manika Kamara, Mustapha M. K. Sesay
2 Vice President Richard Ngevao
3 Secretary General Christian Alpha Conteh, Edward Fara Marah
4 Asst. Secretary General Lemuella Tarawallie, Theophilus Sahr Gbenda
5 Public Affairs Secretary Sulaiman Stom Koroma, Umu Hawa Bakarr
6 Organising Secretary Alice Mariama Turay, Ibrahim Kokowai Musa
7 Financial Secretary Mohamed Konneh

EASTERN REGION

# Position Candidate(s)
1 Chairman Phillip Koroma, Kamal Mohamed Barrie, Mohamed Yayah Fofanah, Mohamed Saidu Janneh
2 Vice Chairperson Aminata Conteh
3 Secretary Sahr Jimmy Fofanah
4 Asst. Secretary NIL
5 Public Affairs Secretary Desmond Kallon

NORTHERN REGION

# Position Candidate(s)
1 Chairperson Fatmata Simbay
2 Vice Chairman Mamoud Marah
3 Secretary Abdulai Sillah
4 Asst. Secretary AbuBakarr Jalloh
5 Public Affairs Secretary NIL
6 Organising Secretary NIL
7 Financial Secretary Mohamed Mansaray

SOUTHERN REGION

# Position Candidate(s)
1 Chairman NIL
2 Vice Chairman NIL
3 Secretary NIL
4 Asst. Secretary NIL
5 Public Affairs Secretary George Phillip Jambawai
6 Organising Secretary NIL
7 Financial Secretary NIL