Jonathan and Osinbajo Monitor Polls as Sierra Leoneans Cast Their Votes in 2023 Elections

Goodluck Jonathan, the former president of Nigeria, and Yemi Osinbajo, the immediate past vice president, have taken up roles as electoral observers in the ongoing general elections in Sierra Leone. Jonathan is leading the West African Elders Forum 2023 Election Mission, while Osinbajo chairs the Commonwealth Observer Group (COG) consisting of 12 members.

The presidential race in Sierra Leone primarily involves Julius Bio of the Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) and Samura Kamara, the flagbearer of the All Peoples Congress (APC). 

Other candidates running for president include Bah Mohamed Chernoh of the National Democratic Alliance, Coker Prince of the People's Democratic Party, Jonjo Mohamed of the Citizens Democratic Party, Kabuta Henry of the United National Peoples Party, and Kakay Iye of the Alliance Democratic Party. Additional contenders on the ballot include Kamara Musa of the Peace and Liberation Party, Margai Francis of the People's Movement for Democratic Change, Saccoh Dougakoro of the Revolutionary United Front Party, Sandy Patrick of the National Unity and Reconciliation Party, Sowa-Turay Mohamed of the United Democratic Movement, and Williams Victor of the Republic National Independent Party.

Apart from the presidential election, voters in Sierra Leone will also choose members of parliament and local councillors. This election marks the fifth since the end of the country's civil war 21 years ago.

If none of the presidential candidates secures 55 percent of the valid votes in the first round, the top two candidates will compete in a run-off two weeks later.

On Saturday, Premium Times reported that Osinbajo was overseeing polling units in Freetown, the capital city. Meanwhile, Jonathan held meetings with key institutions and participants in the election on Friday, ahead of the polls. 

He highlighted the importance of security forces in ensuring credible elections during his interactions with the Inspector General of Police and the National Security Coordinator in Freetown. 

The West African Elders Forum team also joined a briefing for Heads of Missions, exchanging observations on the election.

Voting is currently underway at polling stations across the country.