By John Ikani
Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan has arrived in Freetown, Sierra Leone, where he will lead the West Africa Elders Forum (WAEF) in ensuring a peaceful and credible election this weekend.
WAEF, comprised of former leaders and statesmen, aims to mediate and play a role in addressing electoral and democratic conflicts in the region.
As Sierra Leoneans prepare to head to the polls on June 24, frustration looms due to economic challenges and increasing unemployment.
Thirteen candidates are competing for the presidency, but the race is expected to be primarily between incumbent President Julius Maada Bio and Samura Kamara, the head of Sierra Leone’s main opposition camp, the All People’s Congress Party.
The first-round winner must secure 55% of the vote; otherwise, a runoff will take place within two weeks.
With over three million registered voters, Sierra Leone’s upcoming election will be the country’s fifth since the end of a devastating 11-year civil war more than two decades ago.
This war claimed numerous lives and severely impacted the nation’s economy.
Ahead of the election, violence erupted near the headquarters of Sierra Leone’s main opposition party, resulting in the loss of at least one life.
Despite these challenges, Jonathan remains optimistic about the mission.
In a statement on Twitter, he expressed gratitude for the warm reception received and affirmed WAEF’s commitment to collaborating with local stakeholders to foster a peaceful and credible electoral process in Sierra Leone.
“Just arrived in Freetown, where I am leading the team from the West Africa Elders Forum (WAEF) Election Mission to Sierra Leone ahead of the country’s general elections scheduled for this weekend,” he tweeted.
“WAEF will work with other stakeholders here to help encourage and support a peaceful and credible poll. I thank the Government and the people of Sierra Leone and staff of the Nigeria High Commission in Freetown for their warm reception.”
