The ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) came third, behind the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) party with just 14.2% of the votes cast, despite flying-in a throng of senior government ministers to help their candidate with campaigning.
The All People’s Congress Party came second with 29.3% of the votes.
The bye-election was called following the death of the incumbent councilor in August 2019.
A total of 6,598 people registered to vote, with a turnout of about 53%. The election was at serious risk of being called off due to violence alleged to have been perpetrated by supporters of the ruling SLPP party.
The parliamentary leader of the NGC party Dr. Kandeh Yumkella and his security guard sustained injuries and had to be treated at the local hospital, after they were reportedly attacked by thugs.
Officials of the ruling SLPP party are yet to make a statement about the violence and the accusations leveled against their supporters.
After the announcement of the election results, the Chairman and Leader of the NGC party Dr. Dennis Bright stated that for the first time, the NGC received all the RRF forms from polling agents within two hours from the close of polls.
“We won the elections but it was not an easy fight. Kandeh Yumkella got injured, two of our close members were also hurt, Kandeh’s car was partly damaged but we have now learnt that we should refuse to be intimidated. We should stand up to them using any means necessary. The results would have been even better for us had they not terrorized our people so much. Anyway let us celebrate this victory together because it is the fruit of our combined efforts.”
