Sierra Leone Telegraph: 3 May 2023:
President Julius Maada Bio and Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh yesterday succeeded in securing their nominations as Presidential Candidate and Running Mate respectively, for the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) ahead of 24 June 2023 elections.
Speaking after the process, President Bio said: “As the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone, my records for peaceful behaviour and conduct are beyond reproach. I have fought for Sierra Leone on the war front and at the peace table, and I will continue to fight not only for development but also for peace, development, and security.
“Therefore, before this nation, I commit that I, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, Presidential candidate of the great Sierra Leone People’s Party, will conduct a free and fair election through the ECSL and that I will do everything in my power to make sure that we have a peaceful election.
“I have been here three times in the past to be nominated, and my records are quite clear as far as my conduct is concerned, both as a person and as a member of my party. That is what I will commit, again today, to this nation. I am confident that I am going to win this election,”
The nomination process which took place at the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone, ECSL, started after President Bio had earlier completed and signed the online form and the portal had verified and approved that the candidate had certified his willingness to stand for elections to the office of the President of Sierra Leone.
He had also indicated his qualification for the office of the President in accordance with the law and named Dr Juldeh Jalloh as his designated candidate for the office of Vice President, who consented.
The verified printout copies of the detailed information captured in the commission’s data were issued to the candidates as a certified no-objection nomination by the national returning officer as acceptance of their nomination.
National Returning Officer and Chairman of ECSL, Mohamed Kenewui Konneh, said, “Pursuant to Sections 43 and 44 of the Public Elections Act, 2022, and having received your nomination as Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates to whom these nomination papers relate, and to which you have stated, you are qualified for election for the offices of President and Vice President, respectively, of the Republic of Sierra Leone. By statutory declaration herein, I hereby provisionally accept your nomination for the above position, pending any objection to the Supreme Court of Sierra Leone. Congratulations.”
Writing on Twitter this morning, president Bio said: “Thank you to all our members of the great SLPP Party and the Progressive Alliance supporters for your endorsement of my Presidential Nomination for the June 24, 2023, multi-tier elections.
“Against all odds, I won the popular vote of the people in 2018. With our positive development track record these past five years, we are well poised to win the people’s majority vote on June 24, 2023, with God on our side. WE MOVE FROM THE NEW DIRECTION ▶️▶️ TO STAY IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION.”
Please President Dr. Maada Bio and VP Dr. Juldeh Jallon do not forget the security behind you, your wife and VP let them be tight. Apply measures before and even after election. With help of Almighty God we still continue to pray anyone who mean good for this country is for the sake of our children born and not yet born. May the Lord protect all of us who mean good in this country. Amen.