Acclaimed British actor Idris Elba, known for his Sierra Leonean heritage and citizenship, has appealed for peaceful Sierra Leone elections, which is slated for this Saturday.
Elba, who enjoys immense popularity both in the United Kingdom and Sierra Leone, made an impassioned plea in pidgin English, stating, “This election, please let it be peaceful.”
The star also addressed the youth, emphasising that they hold significant “power” in the forthcoming elections. He articulated the importance of ensuring stability, stating that if violence erupts and leads to devastation, it will be the responsibility of Sierra Leoneans to rebuild their nation.
Elba added, “Not only is the world watching,” but also the whole of Africa.
This election marks Sierra Leone’s sixth presidential vote since the military takeover in 1992.
The incumbent, President Julius Maada Bio of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), is facing off against Dr Samura Kamara of the All People’s Congress (APC).
In the lead-up to the elections, there have been reports of arrests targeting opposition voices, raising concerns regarding the electoral environment.
Everything you need to know about the Sierra Leone elections June 2023
Elba’s call for peaceful elections coincides with a similar appeal by the Commonwealth Observer Group in Sierra Leone, spearheaded by former Nigerian Vice-President Professor Yemi Osinbajo. Prof. Osinbajo emphasised the significance of the elections reflecting the will of the people.
“The eyes of more than 2.5 billion people of the Commonwealth, more than 60% of whom are young people under the age of 30, will be upon Sierra Leone. Watching, in solidarity and in hope,” Prof. Osinbajo declared.
In Freetown, President Julius Maada Bio, who is among the 13 candidates vying for the presidency, held his final rally on Lumley Beach. The election has been fraught with tension, and traditional parade-like political street rallies have been banned to curb potential violence.
President Bio urged his supporters for a peaceful election, stating, “I want to appeal to everybody, we want peaceful elections. No violence. You have your card, on that day go and vote.”
The electoral landscape has been marred by a myriad of concerns, including allegations of bias on the part of the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) and widespread disinformation. The late release of party manifestos by the two primary parties has also been a subject of criticism.
This election introduces a new proportional representation system, replacing the first-past-the-post system for parliamentary and local council elections. This shift has been politically contentious but was upheld as legal by the Supreme Court.
Around 3.3 million people, approximately half of Sierra Leone’s population, are registered to vote in what is expected to be a fiercely contested election.
As Sierra Leoneans head to the polls, international attention is focused on the country’s commitment to ensuring a free, fair, and peaceful electoral process.
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