Yvonne Aki-Sawyerr, the former Mayor of Freetown and candidate for re-election under the opposition All People's Congress (APC), has raised serious allegations against the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL). Aki-Sawyerr claims that the ECSL announced election results without following the due process of tallying, casting doubts on the transparency and fairness of the electoral process.
Aki-Sawyerr stated that none of her party's representatives present at regional tallying centers witnessed the inputting of data from Result and Reconciliation Forms (RRF), which contain records of votes cast for each candidate in the elections. These forms play a crucial role in ensuring transparency, as they provide information from polling stations and center numbers that should be accessible to all stakeholders.
The former Mayor highlighted that the APC's internal tally showed their candidate had received 164,000 votes, representing a commanding 67% lead, contrary to the reported 60,000 votes for Maada Bio, the incumbent President. She also pointed out that a specific station in Kambia had not submitted its tally by the time national results were announced, raising concerns about the completeness and accuracy of the announced results.
Aki-Sawyerr expressed multiple concerns about the electoral process and stressed the need for international observers to echo these sentiments. She specifically highlighted the lack of transparency regarding the data being inputted into the system and emphasized the absence of access to the RRF forms for verification. She called on the electoral commission to halt the announcement of results until full access to the information is granted, as mandated by law, and certification is ensured.
According to Aki-Sawyerr, the law stipulates that political parties should receive signed copies of the RRF forms after voting, and replicas of these forms are supposed to be sent to district, regional, and national headquarters. Contrary to public statements made by the Chief Electoral Commissioner, she asserted that the APC possesses these forms from all districts, which raises questions about the transparency and accuracy of the announced results.
These allegations by a prominent political figure raise significant concerns about the integrity of the electoral process in Sierra Leone. It is crucial for the ECSL to address these allegations promptly and transparently, ensuring that all parties have access to the necessary information and that the due process is followed meticulously.
As the situation unfolds, it is vital for the electoral commission to engage in open dialogue with all stakeholders, including political parties and international observers, to restore confidence in the electoral process. Respecting the rule of law, ensuring transparency, and upholding the principles of democracy are essential for the credibility and stability of Sierra Leone.
The international community should closely monitor the developments in Sierra Leone and support efforts to investigate these allegations thoroughly. Ultimately, a fair and transparent electoral process is key to fostering trust, promoting national unity, and securing a brighter future for Sierra Leone and its citizens.