Publication:

Report of the African Union Election Observation Mission on the 24 June 2023 General Elections in the Republic of Sierra Leone.

The Republic of Sierra Leone held General Elections on 24 June 2023 to elect a President, Members of Parliament, and Members of the Local Council. Incumbent President Bio Julius Maada was re-elected with 56.17% of the vote, while his main challenger, Kamara of the SLPP, received 41.16%. The SLPP secured 81 parliamentary seats, and the main opposition APC won 54. The elections were marked by high competition, with 13 political parties contesting the presidential election and significant participation from women and youth. However, the electoral period was marred by campaign-related violence, including attacks on party offices and fatalities. Despite this, voting on Election Day was largely peaceful, although delays and slow voting processes were noted. The elections were conducted under a legal framework aimed at promoting gender equality and disability inclusion, with 30% of seats allocated to women. The AUEOM observed challenges such as late gazetting of candidates, gaps in voter registration data, and tension over election results, with the APC rejecting the outcome. The mission made several recommendations, including improving candidate list publication timelines, enhancing voter registration transparency, promoting civic education to reduce ethnic politics, and ensuring impartial security services.