“These results are NOT credible and I categorically reject the outcome so announced by the electoral commission,” Mr Kamara said.
PREMIUM TIMES
Frontline opposition candidate and flagbearer of the All People’s Congress (APC) in the Sierra Leone presidential election, Samura Kamara, has rejected the result of the election.
Mr Kamara on Tuesday announced that the results of the election were not credible, saying he would continue to “fight for a better Sierra Leone.”
President Julius Bio of Sierra Leone was Tuesday declared the winner of the presidential election in the West African country.
Mr Bio secured victory by polling over 56 per cent of the votes to avoid a run-off against his main rival, Mr Kamara, who polled about 41 per cent.
The president, 59, was running for re-election after a first term of five years characterised by inflation, high cost of living and poor currency.
PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported how the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ESCL) said Mr Bio took an early lead in the 60 per cent of the total votes tallied on Monday.
According to the electoral law, in order to win in the first round, a candidate needs more than 55 per cent of the vote.
The election was considered a two-horse race between President Bio of the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and 72-year-old Mr Kamara, who leads the opposition APC.
Rejection
Shortly after the results were announced Tuesday, Mr Kamara took to his Twitter handle to reject the polls results.
“My compatriots. We have heard the unfortunate announcement of the elections results for the June 24 Presidential elections by the Chief Electoral Commissioner Mr Konneh,” he wrote.
“It is a sad day for our beloved country. It is a frontal attack on our fledgling democracy. These results are NOT credible and I categorically reject the outcome so announced by the electoral commission.”
The opposition leader, however, expressed gratitude to his supporters and international observers who monitored the polls.
“l thank each and everyone of you for your trust and confidence and for standing by me.
“I acknowledge the efforts of our local and international partners who stood for transparency and democracy. I will rise above this travesty and I commit myself to continue the fight for a better Sierra Leone,” he wrote.
