/ 28 November 2012

Sierra Leone opposition calls for election result boycott

Julius Maada Bio
Julius Maada Bio

"The SLPP [Sierra Leone People's Party] directs our elected members of parliament, chairs, mayors and councillors of local councils to stay away from parliamentary and local council proceedings respectively until further notice," said a press release issued by the party leadership.

On November 17 Sierra Leone voted to return Ernest Bai Koroma of the ruling All People's Congress (APC) to a second term as president, with 58.7 % of the votes.

His main rival Julius Maada Bio, of the opposition SLPP, received 37.4%. Bio had alleged ballot stuffing by the APC.

This is not the first time the SLPP have boycotted parliament. They refused to attend the opening of parliament in October and two months ago boycotted the body after disagreeing with the National Electoral Commission over nomination fees. – Sapa-dpa