Sierra Leone’s election irregularities raise global concerns

A watchdog group in Sierra Leone responsible for monitoring elections has reported irregularities in voting results in the 24 June ballot, as 67% of Sierra Leonians reportedly believe their country is headed in the wrong direction, according to Council of Foreign Relations.

National Election Watch said in a statement that it “has noted large inconsistencies in turnout and vote shares between the presidential and parliamentary election in multiple districts, which will require further clarity” from the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone. This finding has sparked dispute and doubts over transparency, fueling potential protests and economic challenges for Sierra Leone’s incumbent President Julius Maada Bio who emerged victorious in the country’s recent presidential race. Bio defeated his main challenger Samura Kamara by a wide margin, the head of the electoral commission said.

Meanwhile, a recent analysis published by the Council of Foreign Relations has called on Sierra Leone’s international partners to reevaluate their response to the “seriously flawed election” in the West African country. The analysis highlighted the plight of great many Sierra Leonians who have been coping with soaring inflation, high rates of poverty and unemployment, and widespread food insecurity. Against the backdrop of these conditions, “one might have expected a surge of “change” votes in the 24 June general election,” the author argues, adding that “few expected the incumbent to be re-elected in the first round.” The surprise that President Bio had been reelected “has turned to alarm” around the world.