AYV News, June 23, 2024
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) held its national elections on 14th June 2025 at the prestigious Bintumani Hotel in Freetown, with 462 members casting their votes. The electoral process has been hailed as a model of democracy in Sierra Leone, offering a sharp contrast to other recent organizational elections marred by allegations of violence, irregularities, and post-election disputes.
What set the SLAJ election apart was its atmosphere of peace, transparency, and unity. Supporters and candidates interacted warmly throughout the process, and once results were announced by SLAJ Electoral Commissioner Zainab Iyamide Joaque, jubilations filled the Bintumani with no visible division between winners and losers. Even candidates who lost accepted the outcome graciously and congratulated their opponents, reaffirming SLAJ’s reputation as a pillar of democratic integrity.
Lemuella Tarawallie, who contested for Assistant Secretary General, congratulated her opponent Theophilus Sahr Gbenda and commended the newly elected executive. She described the election as a victory not just for individuals but for SLAJ itself. Lemuella praised her supporters, particularly WIMSAL, PPG-SL, and her campaign strategists, while reaffirming her commitment to SLAJ’s unity and progress, even in defeat.
In a professional concession, the campaign secretariat of Mustapha Sesay, who ran for SLAJ President, issued a message accepting the results and congratulating President-Elect Alhaji Manika Kamara. Sesay emphasized the importance of unity and professionalism within SLAJ and praised the electoral process. He called on all journalists to rally behind the new leadership for the advancement of press freedom in Sierra Leone.
While congratulating his opponent, Sulaiman Stom Koroma, who contested for the position of Public Relations Officer (PRO), issued a reflective post-election statement highlighting concerns and suggestions for reform. Government subventions should be suspended during election periods. Allegations of incumbents funding delegates’ lodging should be addressed. The presence of multiple SLAJ WhatsApp groups should be re-evaluated for equal campaign access. Stronger verification processes for newly registered members should be introduced. Reports of questionable proxy voting must be thoroughly investigated. Members should vote based on competence rather than sentiment or familiarity.
Despite raising these issues, Koroma reaffirmed his belief in SLAJ’s integrity and his commitment to the association’s continuous growth.
Edward Marrah, the newly elected Secretary General, described his victory as a collective one. He pledged to uphold the values of integrity, transparency, and professionalism, and promised to work inclusively with every SLAJ member. Marrah emphasized the need to protect journalists’ rights, promote innovation, and strengthen the defense of press freedom. He extended his appreciation to SLAJEC and the entire membership for their trust and support.
In a powerful and unifying speech, Alhaji Manika Kamara, the newly elected President of SLAJ, declared the win not as his personal victory, but as a triumph for SLAJ and democracy. He praised his opponent, Mustapha Sesay, for running a spirited and visionary campaign, and called for unity among all members going forward. Kamara reaffirmed his commitment to press freedom, professional growth, and the welfare of SLAJ members, reminding everyone that SLAJ is not just an organization, but a legacy built on integrity and service.
The SLAJ 2025 elections have set a gold standard for democratic conduct in Sierra Leone. The peaceful and credible process, the maturity shown by both winning and losing candidates, and the professional handling of the election by the SLAJ Electoral Commission (SLAJEC) have been widely applauded.
In a political climate often marred by post-election chaos and division, SLAJ has demonstrated the true beauty of democracy. Its unwavering commitment to transparency, fairness, and unity stands as a shining example for all political parties, organizations, and institutions in Sierra Leone. As SLAJ moves forward under new leadership, this election will be remembered as a defining moment a victory not only for journalism, but for the democratic culture of Sierra Leone.
