I rejected U.S. pressure to interfere in Sierra Leone’s election, President Bio alleges
President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone has alleged that the United States pressured him to stop the announcement of the June 24 election results.
The president, according to AFP, disclosed this on Friday in an event at the American University in Washington, amid concerns about the fairness of the disputed polls criticised by both the opposition and international observers.
The U.S., European Union, France, Ireland and Germany had in a joint statement after the election, shared concerns “about the lack of transparency in the tabulation process.”
Against the belief that the country’s rising inflation and poor economy will lead to the opposition being victorious at the polls, President Bio was declared winner after amassing 56.17 per cent of votes, above the 55 per cent needed to avoid a runoff.
However, the 59-year-old stated that the call by the U.S. for him to stop the election result declaration happened when the Election Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) “had done all their calculations, collations, all the processes. I was now requested to stop them from calling the result by the United States. So I don’t know who is accusing who of interference.”
He also claimed that “They (ECSL) are an independent, semi autonomous body. I declined, and I said I have never called this institution, I am not going to call them now.”
He also stated that, “Elections are always contentious issues, no matter where they happen in the world, including the United States,” adding that when “the United States casts doubt on the credibility (of the election), you are calling for a coup.”
President Bio added that “The same representatives of the United States have told us that in any case, they just wanted a second round. In any case, I was going to win, because all the polls have made that clear.”
Following the disputed election, the U.S. State Department on August 31, announced visa restrictions on unnamed individuals “believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining democracy in Sierra Leone,” whether through vote rigging or intimidation of election observers.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Heading 4
Nigerians should seek God’s forgiveness, wisdom to surmount hardship: Osun Monarch
According to Oluwo, the economy has been tough since the administration of the first democratically elected president, Shehu Shagari.
NationWide
Tinubu to depart Abuja for Arab-Islamic summit in Saudi Arabia
The summit will commence on Monday, November 11, says Bayo Onanuga, Mr Tinubu’s spokesman, in a statement.
Heading 1
MC Oluomo emerges NURTW national president
MC Oluomo was elected by delegates from Ogun, Osun, Ondo, and Ekiti states at the NURTW’s zonal secretariat in Osogbo on Saturday.
States
15 dead, 13 injured in Katsina road crash: FRSC
According to the FRSC sector commander, the crash claimed the lives of 15 persons, with 13 others sustaining various degrees of injuries.
States
Kano govt, World Bank, FG partner to tackle erosion at Bulbula-Gayawa, Fage
Mr Yusuf said the urgent concerns raised by the devastating gully erosion necessitated immediate and decisive action to protect the lives and properties.
NationWide
NAF airstrikes killed over 70 terrorists in Borno: Official
Mr Buba said that while more than 70 extremist members were eliminated at Kwallaram, several more were killed at Arainna Ciki.