Lawyer Basita Michael Criticizes SLPP For Electing Men Only as District Chairmen

Prominent lawyer Basita Michael has strongly condemned the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) following the election of an all-male slate of district chairmen in the party’s recent 2025 elections.

Michael, a vocal advocate for gender equality, stated that the outcome exposes the government’s “hypocrisy” despite its public commitment to women’s empowerment.

In a written statement, Michael asserted, “While the SLPP government continues to market itself abroad as a champion of women’s empowerment — boasting about radical inclusion, and progressive laws, this all-male elected chairmen of the SLPP District elections 2025 exposes their hypocrisy.”

She argued that if the government were serious about women’s empowerment, it would have challenged the election results at the district level. Michael contended that without such intervention, the SLPP’s claims to address gender imbalances and promote women’s participation in governance and decision-making are “highly questionable” and appear to contribute to existing structural inequality.

Michael further criticized the party for “proudly circulating such a list and ending it with the party’s motto ‘one country one people,’ which she believes “makes a mockery of that beautiful motto.” She emphasized that the SLPP has “many brilliant women within the SLPP worthy of the position.”

The newly elected district chairmen are:

Eastern Region

Kailahun District – Jusu Jaka Ngobeh
Kenema District – Kemson B Morieba
Kono District – Safea Moiwa
Southern Region

Bo District – Buakai Bindi Hindowa
Bonthe District – Joseph Maada Lahai
Moyamba District – Joseph Mbogba
Pujehun District – Eddie Masalay
Northern Region

Bombali District – Sorie I. Fofana
Falaba District – Yaya Wan
Koinadugu District – Foday M. Kuriasy
Tonkolili District – Ahmed S. Kanu
North West Region

Kambia District – Ibrahim A. Kamara
Karene District – Abdul Y. Kargbo
Port Loko District – Eddie Williams
Western Region

East Rural District – Dr Eldred Taylor
West Rural District – Charles Yimbo
East Urban District – John G. Margai
Central District – Alhajie Komba
West Urban District – Fahim Mansaray