Sierra Leone: Presidential run-off delayed March 24 /update 5

Event

The High Court of Sierra Leone upheld a request by a member of the ruling All People's Congress (APC) party on Saturday, March 24, to delay the upcoming presidential run-off election. Ibrahim Sorie Koroma, a lawyer and member of the APC, filed for an injunction on the vote that was originally scheduled Tuesday, March 27, claiming there was evidence of electoral fraud. Koroma argued that the evidence needed to be investigated before the run-off could be held. According to media reports, the hearing for Koroma’s claims has been adjourned to Monday, March 26. Demonstrations against the delay in the election may occur in the coming days.

Context

Tensions have been high in the country since the first round of the election was held on March 7. The National Electoral Commission (NEC) confirmed on March 13 that no candidate secured an outright majority, with Julius Maada Bio, from the opposition Sierra Leone People's Party, receiving the most votes with 43.3 percent. Samura Kamara, the candidate from the ruling All People's Congress (APC), won 42.7 percent. Violence between rival political parties has increased leading up to the second round. According to the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), there has also been an increase in recorded instances of tribalism and hate speech.

Advice

Individuals in Sierra Leone, particularly in Freetown, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, refrain from any politically sensitive discussions in public, and avoid all demonstrations and polling stations as a precaution. Follow any instructions issued by the local authorities.