Sierra Leone Association of Journalists Electoral Commission Conducts Peaceful Southern Region By-Elections

By: Fatmata Grace Okekearu – Bo City

The Electoral Commission of the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has successfully concluded the Southern Region by-elections, held on August 9, 2025, at the Imperial Hotel in Bo. The elections were conducted under the provisions of Article 14(6) of the 2024 Revised SLAJ Constitution, and the process was described as peaceful, orderly, and transparent.

According to the Commission, there were 75 members on the final amended register, with 70 participating in the elections, representing a high turnout of 93.33%. A total of 70 ballots were cast, consisting of 58 in-person votes and 12 proxy ballots. Out of these, 65 votes were declared valid, while 5 were invalid.

Of the 12 proxy ballots received, five were rejected: three because the voters were physically present in Bo on election day, and two for failure to adhere to the required request and submission procedures. Additionally, one proxy vote was submitted after the deadline and was not accepted.

The by-elections were necessary due to vacancies arising from national and regional polls earlier in the year. In total, the Southern Region had six vacant positions, while the Northern Region had two and the Eastern Region had one.

During the nomination period, the Commission received eight nominations for the Southern Region (with two contested positions), one for the Northern Region, and one for the Eastern Region. No petitions were filed within the official petition period, though one complaint regarding proxy voting was swiftly resolved.

Votes were counted and verified in the presence of a National Elections Watch observer and candidate representatives. The following candidates were declared winners in the Southern Region by-electionsChairman Abubakarr Mustapha – 47 votes, Vice Chairman Abdul FBB Kamara – Uncontested, Secretary Veronica Diana Fillie – 39 votes, Assistant Secretary Francis Michael Sandy – Uncontested, Organizing Secretary Jamiru Kebbie – Uncontested, Financial Secretary Sallamatu N. Conteh – Uncontested

The Chief Electoral Commissioner officially declared these candidates duly elected as executive members of the SLAJ Southern Region.

Members who wish to challenge the validity of the elections have seven days from the announcement date to file a petition with the SLAJ Electoral Court.

The Commission expressed gratitude to the SLAJ membership for their cooperation, the National Executive for its support, the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone for its technical assistance, and the National Elections Watch for observing the process.

The Chief Electoral Commissioner also commended the dedication and efficiency of the electoral team in ensuring a credible and transparent election process.