The Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs has confirmed six aspirants to contest the Paramount Chieftaincy election in Njaluahun Chiefdom, Kailahun District, Sierra Leone. The declaration ceremony, held at the chiefdom headquarters town, allowed aspirants to introduce themselves to residents and government stakeholders. The ceremony was overseen by the Ministry, the Office of National Security (ONS), and the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL). This process is part of the procedures required under the 2009 Chieftaincy Act.
The six confirmed aspirants are Ansumana Gbow of the Gbow Ruling House, Samuel Borbor Gbetuwa of the Gbetuwa Ruling House, Christopher Amadu Coker Jajuah of the Jajuah Ruling House, Lawrence Maada Swarray Jajuah of the Jajuah Ruling House, Musa Donald Gbow of the Gbow Ruling House, and Mohamed Cliff Jajuah of the Jajuah Ruling House. Initially, ten aspirants declared their intention to contest the election. However, following a declaration and eligibility process, four aspirants were disqualified.
The eligibility of one aspirant, Momoh Gbetuwa, was subjected to a referendum to determine his claim to membership of the Gbetuwa Ruling House. The referendum, which had 602 Tribal Authorities participating, resulted in 215 votes in favour of Mr. Gbetuwa's claim and 387 against it. With 25 invalid votes, the result failed to meet the required two-thirds threshold, leading to Mr. Gbetuwa's disqualification.
The Declaration Officer, Alfred Lahai, explained the procedures and eligibility requirements for the aspirants, emphasising that candidates must demonstrate their connection to a recognised ruling house and meet the conditions prescribed by law. He was supported by two Assessors Chiefs, PC Larry Sao Bojohn Fangawa IV and PC Henry Hunkpoh Takaa Baion III.
Director of Local Government, Brima Newman Combey, urged the aspirants, traditional authorities, and community members to respect the established procedures and allow the process to proceed without interference. He stressed that the Paramount Chieftaincy election is a legal process and encouraged stakeholders to verify claims through appropriate channels rather than relying on rumours or social media information.
The Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone, represented by Commissioner Alex Saffa, reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a transparent and impartial election in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. Commissioner Saffa explained that Paramount Chieftaincy elections differ from general elections, as they are conducted through an electoral college comprising Tribal Authorities.
The Security Coordinator at the ONS in Kailahun District, Josephine Wuya Fatorma Kayonga, urged aspirants and their supporters to maintain discipline and channel concerns through the appropriate authorities. With the confirmation of the six aspirants, the process now moves forward for the Njaluahun Paramount Chieftaincy position.
Key points
- - Six aspirants confirmed for Njaluahun Paramount Chieftaincy election - Momoh Gbetuwa disqualified after failing to meet required threshold in referendum - Election process conducted in accordance with 2009 Chieftaincy Act and overseen by Ministry, ONS, and ECSL.
