June 24, 2023, marks an important day for Sierra Leone as the country heads to the polls to elect its leaders.

The voting process has commenced in Bo District, one of the key regions in the nation. As the clock struck 7:30 am, citizens gathered at various polling stations to cast their votes and participate in shaping the future of their country.

One such polling center is located at SLC Primary School in Coronation Field, which houses three polling stations. The center opened on time, ensuring that voters could exercise their democratic rights without delay. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation as individuals from different walks of life converge to make their voices heard through the power of the ballot.

Meanwhile, at the Torwama Bo Campus Polling Centre with the code 11163, the situation remains relatively calm. Security presence is not overwhelming at the moment, but the presence of election observers from various institutions such as ECOWAS, IRN, and media houses adds an air of credibility and transparency to the process. These observers play a crucial role in ensuring that the elections are conducted fairly and in accordance with democratic principles.

At the Ansarul Polling Center in New London Bo Center 08, voting began 30 minutes past 7 am. This slight delay did not dampen the enthusiasm of the voters who eagerly awaited their turn to cast their ballots. The election officials worked diligently to ensure a smooth and efficient voting process, allowing citizens to express their preferences freely.

Bo District is a district in the Southern Province of Sierra Leone. It is one of the sixteen Districts of Sierra Leone. Bo District is the second most populous District in Sierra Leone. Its capital and largest city is the city of Bo, which is also the second most populous city in Sierra Leone. other major towns in the district include Baoma, Bumpeh, Serabu, Sumbuya, Baiima and Yele.

 

Voting is also underway at the Experimental Secondary School in Torwama. The polling center code is 11162, comprising of six polling stations where voting is taking place. Although there is currently no heavy security presence, the environment remains peaceful. However, a significant challenge arises from the lack of information regarding the specific polling station assigned to each voter. This issue has led to instances where individuals, having waited in line since morning, are informed upon entering that they are at the wrong station for casting their votes. Addressing this matter is the major challenge faced at the moment.

The population of Bo District is ethnically and culturally diverse, particularly in the city of Bo, Sierra Leone’s second largest city. The Mende people form the largest ethnic group in Bo District at over 60 percent of the population.