Sierra Leone election: Tense poll amid fears of violence

Sierra Leoneans are voting in a general election following a tense campaign marred by violence.

On Wednesday, the main opposition party alleged that one of its supporters was shot dead by police, which the police have denied.

Supporters of both main parties have been accused of attacking opponents.

This election is taking place against the background of a troubled economy, the rising cost of living, as well as concerns about national unity.

The voters are choosing a president, MPs and councillors in the West African country’s fifth election since the civil war ended in 2002.

The 11-year conflict cost an estimated 50,000 lives, but since then the country has a tradition of largely peaceful, free and credible elections, according to Marcella Samba Sesay, chairperson of the NGO National Elections Watch.

With strong party loyalty among the 3.3 million registered voters, the campaigns have focused on shoring up their parties’ bases rather than articulating and debating policy issues.

President Julius Maada Bio, 59, of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) is running for a second five-year term. His main rival among the 12 challengers is Dr Samura Kamara, 72, of the All People’s Congress (APC).

This is a repeat of the race in 2018, which saw Mr Bio narrowly win following a second round run-off.

There has been an uptick in violence compared to five years ago, according to the West Africa Network for Peace-building Sierra Leone. It has counted 109 violent incidents since April.

This week, the APC said one person was killed by security forces as its supporters gathered for a protest at its headquarters in Freetown on Wednesday.

The police alleged the shots were fired from the direction of the APC building.

Dr Kamara has also said that his motorcade came under attack and there were reports that the APC office was set ablaze in the city of Bo last weekend.

The SLPP has said that it too has faced attacks in opposition strongholds.

President Bio has called for “peaceful elections” and “no violence”. The African Union has also expressed concerns over reported incidents of violence and intimidation in parts of the country.

Sierra Leoneans have been alarmed by campaigners’ rhetoric, the Reuters news agency reports.

“All I want is peace. I am scared by the high level of hatred I see being exhibited on social media by political extremists on both sides,” a student from Freetown who wanted to remain anonymous told Reuters.

This election comes months after a landmark law which says women must make up 30% of all positions in both the public and private sector – including in parliament.

But analysis from Sierra Leone’s Institute for Government Reform (IGR) suggest the next parliament will fall short of this.

Parties have put forward lists of candidates running in each of the country’s districts to be elected on a proportional representation basis. But according to the IGR, not enough women are placed high enough on those lists to make sure the 30% threshold is crossed.

Out of the 13 candidates running for president only one is a woman – the little-known Iye Kakay.

The APC has also expressed concerns about the transparency of the counting process and has cast doubt on the electoral commission’s ability to hold fair elections.

The commission has defended itself, saying measures have been put in place to ensure the credibility of the voting and counting process.

Results should be known within 48 hours of polls closing.

To be declared the winner of the presidential race, the leading candidate must secure 55% of the votes cast, otherwise a run-off will be held between the two candidates with the highest number of votes.