By: Tommy Sidikie
The long-awaited Paramount Chieftaincy elections in Kholifa Mabang Chiefdom, Tonkolili District, Northern Sierra Leone, concluded on Saturday, October 26, 2024, after two rounds of voting. The Chiefdom has been without a Paramount Chief for an extended period.
Imran Kamara of the Kurahray ruling house emerged as the winner and Paramount Chief-elect following a tense runoff against former Member of Parliament Mohamed Raka Kamara. According to the final results announced by the Provincial Secretary of the Northwest region, Kamara secured 293 votes, while Raka Kamara received 135 votes.
Initially, seven candidates were on the ballot, but none met the 55% threshold required to declare a winner. This led to a runoff between Kamara and Raka Kamara, both of whom scored 103 votes in the first round.
“I hereby declare Imran Kamara the winner and Paramount Chief-elect of Kholifa Mabang with 293 valid votes,” announced the Provincial Secretary, acting as the returning officer for the elections.
Candidates dissatisfied with the outcome were advised to seek legal recourse. Following the announcement, Imran Kamara was escorted by armed security officers from the Chiefdom Court Barry in Mabang town to an undisclosed location.
The announcement sparked celebrations among Kamara’s supporters, while the losing camp expressed their disappointment. As of now, no candidates have filed a petition regarding the election process.
