The Chair of the Commonwealth Observer Group in Sierra Leone, HE John Dramani Mahama, HE Goodluck Jonathan, former President of Nigeria who is heading the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa, HE Amos Sawyer, former Interim President of Liberia leading the ECOWAS Mission and HE Kgalema Motlanthe, former South African President who is leading the African Union Mission.
FREETOWN, Sierra Leone–– The Commonwealth Observer Mission in Sierra Leone and African Union Election Observer Mission in Sierra Leone (AUEOM) on Monday described the country’s March 31 presidential runoff election as largely peaceful and transparent.
The AU observer mission, in their preliminary statement issued on April 2, noted that “the AUEOM applauds the people of Sierra Leone for their commitment to upholding democracy as demonstrated by their patience and civil conduct on Election Day.”
“Based on its observations and findings, and despite some challenge encountered during the pre-election period and the Election Day, the AUEOM considers the runoff presidential election of March 31 as largely peaceful and transparent,” the statement reads.
The observers concluded that the election was conducted in line with the national legal framework as well as the regional, continental and international standards for democratic election.
The Commonwealth Observer Mission noted that the voting, closing and counting process at the polling stations were credible and transparent.
Julius Maada Bio of the main opposition Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) held a narrow lead over Samura Kamara of the ruling All People’s Congress (APC) in the first round of election held on March 7, 2018.
Source: Globe Afrique Media
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