I visted a Polling Station at Kankaylay Primary School, Koroma Street and Sombo Street in KenemaContrarily to general forecasts by many conflict scholars, information reaching this medium from polling stations all over the country has confirmed that the average Sierra Leonean is now yarning for betterment and not violence, as they queue to decide who should lead them for the next five years.
I have visited this morning several polling stations across the eastern provincial capital of Kenema and the atmosphere in those stations was more friendly than expected. Majority of voters are youths and women who were seen queuing to cast their votes peacefully. So far there has been no record of violence in any part of the country. The exercise is said to be slower though but most voters seemed to trust the method and that makes the difference since electoral security chiefly lies in the free and fairness of the process.
“Trust us, this process is going to be violence free”, said a military police who is serving as one of the auxiliary security personnel deployed across the city. “Do you think the average voter trust in case of post-election fracas?” I asked him gently. “Yes”, he said insisting on anonymity of his identity.
The National Electoral Commission (NEC) which is conducting the exercise has embargoed movement of vehicler traffic throughout the polling period excluding vehicles accredited by the Commission including security personnel, independent observers and the press. Many civil activists have questioned the motion but the decision seemed to be in the best interest of the country since it makes it difficult for non-residents of a particular place to be trafficked and used as trouble makers in another place. The decision also terminates the possibility of using foreign voters from other territories as previously proclaimed by many.
The ordinary voter has become today very important for every politician because a single ballot paper is designed to determine the fate of several candidates: Ward Councilor, Parliamentarian and the President. In the case of capital cities like Bo and Kenema, a Mayor is also voted for.
I will be bringing you later reports on polling returns
Othman Sheriff is an experienced Sierra Leonean development professional, peacebuilding practitioner, professional journalist and human rights advocate with over two decades of engagement in community development, youth empowerment, education, humanitarian assistance and international development cooperation. Born and raised in Kenema District, Eastern Sierra Leone, he has dedicated much of his professional career to improving the socioeconomic conditions of vulnerable and marginalised populations, particularly disadvantaged young people, women, children and underserved rural communities.
As the Founder and Programme Director of Youth in Action for Development (YAD), Sheriff has played a leading role in mobilising international development assistance and coordinating community-driven interventions aimed at poverty reduction, sustainable livelihoods, social inclusion and grassroots development. Over the years, he has facilitated the mobilisation and implementation of development projects worth billions of Leones, supported by international development partners, including European development institutions, humanitarian organisations and United Nations agencies.
A committed advocate for free and inclusive Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Sheriff spearheaded the establishment of the Youth Resource Academy (YRA) in 2018, through which he has championed access to practical, employment-oriented education for underprivileged youth, particularly young women, school dropouts, single mothers, widows, unemployed youth and individuals from economically disadvantaged households. So far, the Academy has provided vocational, technical and entrepreneurship training opportunities to more than 2,000 youth helping them acquire marketable skills, pursue self-employment and improve their economic independence. He also solicit funds to provide start up kits for the youth who graduated from the academy.
In addition to his development and humanitarian work, Sheriff serves as the Editor-in-Chief and CEO of Critique Echo Newspaper, using journalism as a platform to promote accountability, responsible governance, social justice and public awareness of critical socioeconomic and human rights issues.
He is a dedicate member of many international peacebuilding networks including the United Religions Initiative (URI), International Association of Educators for World Peace (IAEWP), Intercultural Leaders Network of the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations (UNAOC)`s Youth Solidarity Fund, and the alumni Association of King Hamad Youth Empowerment Awards.
Through his leadership, advocacy and international partnerships, Sheriff continues to champion a vision of Sierra Leone in which disadvantaged young people have equitable access to education and economic opportunities, women and girls live free from violence and discrimination, human rights are respected, and communities are empowered to pursue peaceful, inclusive and sustainable development.
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