Sierra Leone's High Court issued an order to halt Tuesday's presidential run-off until it resolves a legal dispute filed by a lawyer linked to the ruling party. Tensions are high ahead of the vote with a campaign marked by violent attacks and intimidation against politicians and supporters, along with an increase in inflammatory tribal rhetoric.
Saturday's order prevents the National Electoral Commission (NEC) from going ahead with the vote until "the hearing and determination of this court". The court adjourned the case until Monday to allow time for the commission to submit a question to the Supreme Court after which the High Court would sit again to reconsider the matter.
"The commission awaits service of official documents, but understands that the matter will return to court on Monday," the polling body said in a statement. "While legal proceedings are ongoing, the commission will continue its practical and logistical preparations for the run-off," it added. Lawyer Ibrahim Sorie Koroma, a member of the ruling All Peoples' Congress (APC), had argued in his filing that electoral fraud allegations should be investigated before the vote goes ahead.
Comments
Comments are closed for this article.