Sierra Leone’s Presidential Elections – timeline of highlights

Memuna Forna, Editor
Apr 5, 2018
2 min read

14-15 October 2017 – At the APC convention, Dr Samura Kamara is selected by Ernest Bai Koroma as the APC’s presidential candidate, and Mohamed Chernor Bah as running mate.
15 October 2017 – SLPP elect Brigadier (Ret.) Julius Maada Bio as the party’s 2018 Presidential Candidate
18 October 2017 – Registration of the National Grand Coalition (NGC) is completed
5 November 2017 - Francis Gabbidon Esq, publishes article entitled “Sierra Leoneans with dual citizenship cannot be members of parliament”
10 November 2017 – President Ernest Koroma and delegation arrive at the Vatican so the Pope can offer prayers for the APC presidential candidate
11 November 2017 – Dr. Kandeh Yumkella democratically elected as the NGC flagbearer for the 2018 Presidential Elections
12 December 2017 - President Koroma kick starts nationwide thank you tour
19 December 2017 – President Koroma arrives in Kenema for the second leg of the nationwide thank you tour
9 January 2018 – Attorney General announces that Section 76(1), Act No. 6 of the 1991 Constitution effectively prohibits dual citizens from becoming MPs in Sierra Leone
18 January 2018 – Dr Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella confirms that he had renounced the US citizenship to fully comply with the 1991 Constitution
20 January 2018 – APC MP candidate for Constituency 062, Kambia files objection to the nomination of Dr Kandeh Yumkella on the grounds that he is a dual citizen
15 February 2018 – AYV’s Presidential Debate
20 February – Brig. Bio and team reportedly attacked by APC members in Kamalo, Sella Limba Chiefdom, Karene district
1 March 2018 – David Fornah institutes court action against Dr. Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella on allegations that Dr. Yumkella holds USA and Sierra Leone passports, which disqualifies him from contesting for president
4 March 2018 – Saidu Conton Sesay, Chief of Staff, and Bai Mamud, Youth Minister reportedly attacked by SLPP members in Kambia
7 March 2018 - Polling Day
7 March 2018 - Police surround Rtd. Brigadier Julius Maada Bio’s Goderich office with a purported search warrant
10 March 2018 – 1st progressive announcement of Presidential Election Results
13 March 2018 – NEC announce run-off between Dr Samura Kamara and Julius Maada Bio to be conducted on 27 April
21 March 2018 – NEC issue press release accusing SLP of entering their premises and intimidating staff
24 March 2018 – High Court issues an interim injunction against the run-off elections
31 March 2018 - Run-off Presidential election
31 March 2018 – Nationwide internet black out
4 April 2018 – NEC announce that Rtd Brigadier Julius Maada Bio of the Sierra Leone People’s Party has won the Presidential Elections.