Freetown, Sierra Leone – (African Boulevard News) – Sierra Leoneans have started to cast their votes in the fiercely contested presidential and parliamentary elections amid a cost-of-living crisis that led to deadly riots last year. The election is expected to be a close race between the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC).
The election campaigns were filled with tensions and allegations of violence, which made several international observers raise concerns about the validity of the election results. However, the National Electoral Commission (NEC) reassured voters that the voting process would be transparent and fair.
To ensure that the elections are not marred by violence, the government has deployed over 30,000 security personnel and has imposed a ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol on election day.
As voters line up to cast their ballots, they expressed their concerns about the economy and the cost of living. The country has been gripped by an economic crisis, which has led to widespread poverty, high unemployment rates and inflation. Some voters hope that a new government would be able to turn the country’s fortunes around.
“The economy is in shambles, and we need a leader who can put the country back on its feet,” said Mariama Bah, a voter queuing to cast her ballot.
Sierra Leoneans are hopeful that the peaceful elections would strengthen their democracy and set an example for other African countries.
“This is a critical moment for our democracy, and we must ensure that the election is free and fair,” said Abdulai Bah, a human rights activist.
The international community is closely monitoring the election, with many expressing their hope that the country would have a peaceful and democratic transition of power.
“The eyes of the world are on Sierra Leone, and we hope that this election would be a step towards a more peaceful and prosperous country,” said Antonio Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General.
In conclusion, the Sierra Leonean elections are a crucial moment for the country, with the outcome set to have significant impacts on the economy and the country’s democracy. As the votes continue to be counted, Sierra Leoneans remain hopeful that the election would be free, fair and peaceful.
