Electoral Commission Clears Opposition Candidate in Sierra Leone

The Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone, ECSL has cleared presidential opposition candidate Samura Kamara to run in the June vote.

Mr. Kamara, who was defeated by Julius Maada Bio in the 2018 ballot, has been on trial since February for alleged corruption.

He was charged in December 2021 for allegedly misappropriating more than $2.5m in public funds, while he was serving as foreign affairs minister.

Report says the electoral agency cleared him after his case was adjourned until July.

Mr. Kamara, under his All People’s Congress, APC is seen as the main rival to President Bio.

Meanwhile, the incumbent’s candidacy has also been approved as he seeks a second term.

Mr. Bio will be running after a first term marred by economic hardship and rampant inflation.

Frustration over financial distress stoked protests last August in which six police officers and 27 civilians were killed.

Voters in June will also elect members of parliament, mayors, and local councillors.

BBC/Christopher Ojiere