Voters in Port Loko District, located in the North West Province of Sierra Leone, have lodged numerous complaints regarding delays at polling stations, hampering the start of the voter process.
Some polling stations in the district had not commenced operations at 8:00 a.m., despite the scheduled commencement time of 7:00 a.m. stipulated by the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone.
According to reports from certain polling units in Port Loko and areas in the North West Provinces, the delays have been attributed to the late delivery of voter materials. Some units claimed to be lacking essential materials, resulting in a wait for their arrival.
In ward 235, the delay was allegedly caused by the interference of an individual named Foday, identified as an SLPP party agent. Fortunately, swift action by the police prevented any escalation of the situation, as recounted by a voter who stated, “the SLPP party agent wanted to make a scene in the ward, but thank God the police was swift to march him out.”
Some PCM members assured that they might consider extending the voting time, depending on the turnout of voters. These measures are aimed at accommodating the delays and ensuring that all eligible voters have an opportunity to exercise their voting rights.
However, observers in Bonthe District Southern Province of the country confimed that voting has commenced in the different centres. Some polling units started a little after the stipulated 7: am Voting time. Gbageima court barray in mattru Jong Bonthe district started the voting process at 8:45 am.
