AYV News, May 21, 2025
The Paramount Chieftaincy election in Tunkia chiefdom, Kenema district, has been postponed due to allegations of irregularities and violence by some staff of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (EC-SL) during the voting session.
Reports have it that the election was underway when it was abruptly halted by several dissatisfied aspirants, who described the process as “unfair and flawed.” Nine candidates are contesting for the paramount chieftaincy position in Tunkia chiefdom.
Reports from the election venue indicated that large numbers of supporters for various candidates converged, creating a tense and chaotic atmosphere that disrupted the electoral process.
Efforts by Chief Superintendent Alphonso Abdul Fambulleh, the Local Unit Commander of the Kenema Police Division, along with the Provincial Secretary and other key stakeholders, to calm the situation and verify the legitimacy of voters and candidates did not succeeded.
In addition to procedural concerns, allegations of ballot stuffing have emerged. Police have detained two individuals who are currently assisting with investigations into these alleged electoral malpractices.
Despite the rising tensions, no incidents of violence have been officially reported. Security forces remain on high alert as authorities work to restore calm and ensure that the electoral process adheres to standards of transparency and credibility.
