U.S. Ambassador Clarifies $1.5 Million Donation Not Meant For 2023 Election Re-run

United States Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Bryan David Hunt clarified yesterday that recent U.S. aid of $1.5 million will not fund a re-run of the 2023 General Elections.

Following the Tripartite Electoral Review Committee press conference, Ambassador Hunt addressed concerns during an exclusive interview with online blogging team IB Blog.

In response to these claims, Ambassador Hunt categorically debunked such assertions, labeling them as “falsehoods” and urging Sierra Leonean citizens to disregard them.

He emphasized that the $1.5 million was solely designated to support the work of the electoral review committee, facilitating the involvement of international experts in reviewing Sierra Leone’s electoral laws and conducting crucial consultations with the populace to shape recommendations for the President’s attention.

Addressing the discrepancy between the donation amount and the estimated cost of election processes, Ambassador Hunt clarified, “I think people need to understand that the cost of running an Election goes into tens of millions of dollars… So the 1.5 Million Dollars that we have given has nothing to do with re-running an Elections.”

“Let me be clear: claims that this funding is for a re-run are falsehoods,” Ambassador Hunt stated. “The cost of an election is significantly higher, in the tens of millions. This contribution will assist the committee in securing international expertise, conducting public consultations, and shaping recommendations for the President.”