3 ASPIRANTS CLEARED, 2 DISQUALIFIED AT SAKRIM PARAMOUNT CHIEFTAINCY DECLARATION OF RIGHTS

Hassan Juana Koroma, Pujehun

The Declaration of Rights Ceremony for the forthcoming Paramount Chieftaincy Election in Mano Sakrim Chiefdom, Pujehun District, concluded on Monday, June 8, 2026, with three aspirants successfully qualifying to contest for the prestigious traditional leadership position, while two others were disqualified. The ceremony, held at Mano Gbogima Town, attracted a large gathering of stakeholders, traditional authorities, government officials, community members, and members of the media who witnessed the important democratic process in the chiefdom. The event was presided over by the Provincial Secretary for the Southern Region in the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs, Abu Bakarr Kamara, who carefully guided the proceedings in accordance with the laws governing Paramount Chieftaincy elections in Sierra Leone.

Before the commencement of the Declaration of Rights process, Abu Bakarr Kamara read and explained relevant provisions of the 1961 Constitution and the Paramount Chieftaincy Act, which outline the qualifications and procedures for individuals seeking to contest Paramount Chieftaincy elections. According to him, the law requires every aspirant to prove beyond reasonable doubt that he or she belongs to a recognized ruling house within the chiefdom and meets all legal and customary requirements prescribed by the Constitution and the Paramount Chieftaincy Act. Following the presentation of claims and supporting evidence by the various aspirants and their representatives, the Provincial Secretary announced his ruling based on the evidence presented before the gathering.

He declared Madam Jane Kemah Seiwoh Fawundu, Foday Abass Fawundu, and Musa P. Fawundu as qualified candidates to contest the forthcoming Paramount Chieftaincy Election in Mano Sakrim Chiefdom.

According to Abu Bakarr Kamara, the three aspirants successfully demonstrated that they belong to recognized ruling houses within the chiefdom and therefore satisfied the legal requirements to participate in the election. However, Musa Peter Kaiba and Dauda Kowa Kaiba were disqualified from the race after failing to provide sufficient and convincing evidence to establish that the Kaiba family constitutes a recognized ruling house in Mano Sakrim Chiefdom.

In delivering the ruling, Abu Bakarr Kamara explained that the decision was based strictly on the evidence presented during the hearing and the applicable provisions of the law. “The Kaiba claimants were unable to present substantial evidence proving that the Kaiba family is a recognized ruling house within Mano Sakrim Chiefdom. Therefore, they do not qualify to contest in the forthcoming Paramount Chieftaincy Election,” he declared.

Stakeholders present commended the orderly way the Declaration of Rights Ceremony was conducted and called on all aspirants and their supporters to maintain peace, unity, and respect for the rule of law as the chiefdom prepares for the next stage of the electoral process. As preparations continue, many residents have expressed hope that the election will be conducted peacefully, transparently, and in a manner that strengthens traditional governance and promotes development across the chiefdom.