A dispute is threatening to disrupt the 2026 national leadership election of the Children’s Forum Network (CFN) in Sierra Leone. Lawyers for presidential aspirant Mary Julius have raised concerns over her disqualification, citing that she was initially cleared to participate, interviewed, and allowed to campaign. According to a letter dated October 2, Brewah & Co. Barristers and Solicitors have asked the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs to review Julius’ disqualification and halt the electoral process.
Julius was informed two days before the election that she did not meet the prescribed age requirement. Her lawyers argue that she satisfied the requirement when she entered the process and was encouraged to raise funds for the programme and campaign in different parts of the country. Julius had earlier petitioned the ministry on September 30, asking officials to reconsider the decision. Her lawyers subsequently requested that the election be postponed until the petition is determined.
The dispute has shifted attention from the election itself to the rules governing who can contest for the national presidency and how those rules were applied. Some CFN members have reportedly questioned Julius’ exclusion, arguing that she remains below 18. However, this argument does not establish that she met the specific eligibility requirements for the CFN position. The CFN describes itself as a child-led organisation working with government and child-protection partners.
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) documented the network’s establishment as a platform for children to express their views and participate in national discussions. Recent CFN activities show its continued engagement with the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs and the National Commission for Children. In 2026, CFN and the commission participated in school sensitisation activities on the Child Rights Act 2025.
The lawyers’ challenge focuses on the transparency of the candidate-vetting process. The central unresolved issue is whether the applicable election rules were correctly interpreted and applied to Julius, and whether the timing of her disqualification complied with the process. Some members have claimed that officials deliberately delayed the election to remove particular candidates, but this has not been independently established.
The ministry’s explanation is needed before those allegations can be assessed. The legal challenge now leaves the election process facing an unresolved eligibility dispute, with Julius’ representatives seeking a pause while the ministry considers her petition. The outcome will depend on the applicable CFN election rules and the ministry’s response to the legal challenge.
The CFN election is crucial for child advocacy efforts in Sierra Leone. The organisation plays a significant role in promoting child rights and participation in national discussions. The election outcome will determine the future leadership of the organisation and its continued engagement with government and child-protection partners.
Key points
- Lawyers for Mary Julius question the screening process that led to her disqualification.
- The dispute has raised concerns over the transparency of the candidate-vetting process.
- The election outcome will depend on the applicable CFN election rules and the ministry’s response to the legal challenge.
