Sierra Leone's President, Julius Maada Bio, has been officially recognized for his reelection in the June 24 elections. The Chairman and National Returning Officer of the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL), Mr. Mohamed Konneh, presented him with the Certificate of Return, affirming the peaceful and credible nature of the multi-tier elections.
In acknowledging the Commission's efforts, Mr. Konneh stated that President Bio's diligent planning and hard work contributed to the successful and peaceful conduct of the elections. He emphasized that the election results truly reflected the will of the Sierra Leonean voters. The Commissioners expressed their pride and honour as they handed over the Certificate of Presidential Election to President Bio.
Additionally, Mr. Konneh presented the ECSL's 2022 Annual Report to the President, congratulating him on his re-election. He highlighted that it was their obligation, as stipulated in the 1991 Constitution, to submit a yearly report on their programs and activities to the President, who would, in turn, present it to the parliament.
Mr. Konneh elaborated on the achievements and milestones outlined in the annual report. These included the successful conduct of elections for Paramount Chiefs, the implementation of policy decisions aligned with the Commission's strategic plan, and significant advancements in legal reforms and voter registration. He expressed gratitude to President Bio, the government, ECOWAS, political parties, and partners for their support and collaboration in ensuring the smooth and peaceful execution of the multi-tier elections.
President Julius Maada Bio expressed his delight in receiving the ECSL's 2022 Annual Report and the Certificate of Presidential Election. He acknowledged that these documents were essential components of the Commission's mandate, providing comprehensive insights into its activities during the reviewed period. The President commended the Chairman, National Returning Officer, Commissioners, and the entire staff of the Electoral Commission for their diligent work in organizing the 2023 multi-tier elections. He acknowledged the elections as free and fair, with the results speaking for themselves. President Bio urged the Commission and its members to continue their dedicated efforts, expressing gratitude for their role in delivering credible elections and expressing his pride in his own electoral victory.
Furthermore, President Julius Maada Bio took the opportunity to call upon all Sierra Leoneans to embrace the fact that democracy is an ongoing process. He emphasized that the elections had concluded, and it was crucial for the nation to move forward. The President highlighted that the ECSL, as an experienced institution, had dealt with the various stages of the electoral process before, during, and after the elections, having conducted multiple elections since the end of the war.