Sierra Leoneans are heading to the polls today to participate in a general election that has been marked by violence and tension. The main opposition party has alleged that one of its supporters was shot dead by police, a claim that the police have denied. Supporters of both the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) have been accused of attacking opponents throughout the campaign.
This election is taking place against the backdrop of a troubled economy and rising living costs, as well as concerns about national unity. Sierra Leone has a tradition of largely peaceful and credible elections since the end of the civil war in 2002, but there has been an uptick in violence compared to previous years. The West Africa Network for Peace-building Sierra Leone has recorded 109 violent incidents since April.
The two leading presidential candidates in this election are President Julius Maada Bio of the SLPP and Dr Samura Kamara of the APC. This is a repeat of the race in 2018, which saw President Bio narrowly win following a second round run-off. Both candidates have called for peaceful elections and an end to violence, but there are concerns about the inflammatory rhetoric used by campaigners on both sides.
One notable aspect of this election is the representation of women. A landmark law passed earlier this year requires that women make up 30% of all positions in both the public and private sectors, including in parliament. However, analysis from Sierra Leone’s Institute for Government Reform suggests that the next parliament will fall short of this target. Out of the 13 candidates running for president, only one is a woman.
The transparency of the counting process has also been called into question by the APC, which has cast doubt on the electoral commission’s ability to hold fair elections. The commission has defended itself, stating that measures have been put in place to ensure the credibility of the voting and counting process. Results are expected to be announced within 48 hours of the polls closing.
Sierra Leoneans are hoping for a peaceful and democratic election process, despite the challenges and tensions that have marred the campaign. The outcome of this election will determine the country’s future leadership and direction, as well as its ability to address pressing economic and social issues.
How does the underrepresentation of women in the presidential race affect the country’s progress towards gender equality and inclusive governance
Sierra Leoneans head to the polls today amidst a backdrop of violence and tension. The main opposition party alleges that one of its supporters was killed by the police, a claim that has been denied. Both the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party and the main opposition All People’s Congress have been accused of attacking opponents throughout the campaign.
While Sierra Leone has a history of peaceful elections since the end of the civil war in 2002, this year has seen an increase in violence. According to the West Africa Network for Peace-building Sierra Leone, there have been 109 incidents of violence since April.
The two leading presidential candidates in this election are President Julius Maada Bio of the SLPP and Dr Samura Kamara of the APC. This is a rematch of the 2018 race, which saw President Bio narrowly emerging as the winner. Both candidates have called for peaceful elections and an end to violence, but concerns remain about the inflammatory language used by campaigners.
The representation of women in this election is noteworthy. A new law requires that women make up 30% of all positions in public and private sectors, including parliament. However, it is predicted that the next parliament will fall short of this target, with only one out of the 13 presidential candidates being a woman.
Transparency in the counting process has been questioned by the APC, raising doubts about the electoral commission’s ability to hold fair elections. The commission has defended itself, assuring that measures have been put in place to ensure credibility. Results are expected to be announced within 48 hours of the polls closing.
Despite the challenges and tensions surrounding this election, Sierra Leoneans are hopeful for a peaceful and democratic process. The outcome will not only determine the country’s future leadership and direction but also its ability to address pressing economic and social issues.
It is disheartening to see violence mar the important democratic process in Sierra Leone. The safety and well-being of citizens must take precedence over any political disputes. Furthermore, addressing the country’s economic concerns should be a top priority to improve the lives of Sierra Leoneans.
It’s disheartening to see the violence and economic concerns overshadowing what should have been a peaceful and prosperous day for Sierra Leoneans. Let’s hope for stability and progress as the country moves forward.