Both candidates faced each other in a classical fashion, both desperate to attract votes from their constituents (registered and paid up members) in Bo city on June 4 ahead of the election.
The debate was moderated by Joe Pemagbi of Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) and it was sponsored by Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG).
The candidates were given fifteen minutes to sell out their ideas to the delegates as it was broadcast live in both radio and television. The theme for this year’s debate was ‘SLAJ, the last man standing: how do we remain standing”
The incumbent, Mr. Kelvin Lewis, while addressing the delegates, maintained that when he came in office three years ago he promised the membership three things, which are unity, transparency and accountability and to organize training for it members which, according to him, he has been to accomplish.
Mr. Lewis maintained that under his regime as president SLAJ got a new face and raised the bar of the profession compared to others in the past, and declared, “I deserve another term to continue and complete the transformation process which I have started.” He maintained that delegates must take into consideration his integrity and passion he has for the association and called on delegates to re-elect him as their next president.
Stanley Bangura, while making his address, maintained that “it is time for change in SLAJ and SLAJ must not be run by an individual”.
He furthered that if voted for by the members he promised to empower women in the profession and hope to cater for it members.
Pertinent questions were directed at both candidates by the moderator, questions ranging from press freedom, access to information and how SLAJ will collaborate with government, at the same time portray it role as the fourth estate in society;  both candidates responded to the questions based on how much knowledge each had on the issue.
Candidates for the Vice Presidency, Samuel Haffnah and Kashor Cole also took to the podium to canvas delegates for their votes.
Meaningful statements were made by the Minister of Information and Communication, Mohamed Bangura and Ransford Wright of MRCG.