- With 93% of the presidential elections counted so far, it has become clear that a runoff between the candidates of the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) is unavoidable.
The National Electoral Commission (NEC) confirmed a run-off after it has been proven that none of the candidates will certainly poll 55% of the results.
Sierra Leone, a country plagued by a decade-long civil war, last organised elections in 2002. This was under the supervision of the United Nations.
The APC candidate, Ernest Bai Koroma has been leading the polls. He polled 44% of the results counted against 38% of the SLPP flag bearer, Solomon Berewa. Charles Margai, who ran on the ticket of People’s Movement for Democratic Change (MPDC), grabbed 14% of the results.
The MPDC leader has announced his party’s readiness to support the APC candidate’s run-off bid to clinch Sierra Leone’s presidency. However, his party officials said Mr Margai’s statement should be treated official.
Mr Berewa said though his party was disappointed with the results, but the opposition alliance would not hamper the party’s hope to win back power. He said it is the democratic right of political parties to ally with a party of their choice.
The second round of voting is expected to be held two weeks after the official results have been announced.
Both presidential and legislative polls were held on 11 August. The APC is also leading the legislative polls.
The elections were hailed as free, fair and credible and it attracted a huge turn out.
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