SLPP Halts Elections in Two Tonkolili Constituencies Amid Rising Tensions

February 8, 2025

The Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) has postponed lower-level elections in two constituencies in Tonkolili District due to escalating tensions and reported violence.

A statement from the SLPP’s District Secretariat announced the suspension of elections in Constituency 48 (Mile 91) and Constituency 50 (Magburaka). The decision follows an attack on District Chairman Ahmed Saybom Kanu, allegedly carried out by supporters of Mohamed Orman Bangura, Sierra Leone’s Youth Minister and Kanu’s main rival in the SLPP Chairmanship race for Tonkolili.

The District Secretary General, Robert Salia Kamara, stated that the elections will remain suspended until further consultations with the Regional Executive. He also urged party members to document any incidents of violence through video evidence for further action.

Despite the suspension notice, some SLPP sources in Constituency 48 claim that voting is still taking place. However, the District Executive maintains that elections in the affected constituencies are not valid and any results will not be recognized.

Residents of Tonkolili District have expressed concerns over the ongoing security risks and heightened tensions surrounding the elections.