Not for Rerun of 2023 Elections

By Christian Conteh

In the wake of widespread social media messages circulating false claims, the United States government has categorically stated that the $1.5 million granted to Sierra Leone is not earmarked for a rerun of the June 2023 Presidential Elections.
The misinformation, primarily disseminated on platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, and Twitter, asserts that the U.S. government’s financial support is intended to facilitate a new round of elections following the defeat of the main opposition, the APC, and their candidate, Dr. Samura Kamara, in the 2023 elections.
The misleading information gained traction, especially among APC members and supporters, who have expressed dissatisfaction with the official election results that saw the incumbent President Julius Maada Bio securing victory, as confirmed by the country’s electoral commission.
United States Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, addressed the issue during a press conference in Freetown, providing clarity on the purpose of the $1.5 million grant. She emphasized that the U.S. government’s commitment is directed towards supporting Sierra Leone’s electoral reform processes and is not intended to revisit or influence the outcomes of past elections.
In her statement, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield underscored that the primary focus of the funding is to strengthen democracy in Sierra Leone for future electoral processes. The grant is part of ongoing efforts to enhance the electoral system, foster transparency, and promote the democratic values upheld by both Sierra Leone and the United States.
The U.S. government’s denial serves as a crucial response to dispel the false claims circulating on social media, affirming that there is no intention or provision for rerunning the 2023 Presidential Elections in Sierra Leone through this financial support. It highlights the importance of accurate information and responsible dissemination in the era of digital communication.