Freetown, 27th July 2026 – The Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC) has reported that the recently concluded All People’s Congress (APC) constituency and lower-level elections across Sierra Leone were conducted in a largely peaceful and orderly manner, with its monitors deployed nationwide to observe proceedings and promote dialogue, tolerance, and stability.
In the Southern Region, ICPNC’s Regional Coordinator and four monitoring teams were stationed across Bo, Bonthe, and Moyamba Districts.
In Bo District, elections in Constituencies 080 (Mamboma), 086 (Benni Mix), 087 (Serabu), and 088 (Gbaima Road) proceeded smoothly. Voting in Constituency 081 (Pindengumahun) began later than expected, starting around 2:00 p.m., but was successfully completed.
In Bonthe District, monitors covered Imperri Chiefdom and Bonthe Island, capturing voter experiences beyond district headquarters.
In Moyamba District, elections in Moyamba Township were postponed, limiting monitoring to the township itself.
Despite minor delays, the Commission noted that the Southern Region’s elections were conducted peacefully, reflecting communities’ commitment to constructive political participation.
Across the North-Western Region, ICPNC monitors observed elections in Kambia, Karene, Lunsar, and Port Loko.
In Kambia District, Constituency 059 saw 34 candidates contesting 16 positions, with voting delayed briefly due to a locked classroom at Movement Faith Academy Secondary School.
In Karene District, elections at the Town Hall in Constituency 067 proceeded peacefully, with contested positions resolved without incident.
In Lunsar and Port Loko, monitors reported calm and orderly voting, with no threats or disruptions recorded.
The Commission emphasized that the North-West remained politically stable throughout the process, underscoring the importance of tolerance and dialogue in strengthening democracy.
In the Northern Region, ICPNC Peace Monitors and Civil Society Organization (CSO) Coalition members observed elections in Bombali, Tonkolili, Koinadugu, and Falaba Districts.
In Bombali District, voting at centres such as SLMB and MCA Secondary Schools in Makeni City was delayed due to late arrival of election officials but concluded peacefully.
In Tonkolili District, concerns over multiple entry points at Magburaka Town’s APC Party Office were resolved through stakeholder dialogue and police intervention, allowing voting to proceed calmly. Elections in Masingbi, Makali, and Motoroka were similarly peaceful, with Motoroka’s candidates unopposed.
In Koinadugu District, elections in Bafodia, Fadugu, and Alkalia were conducted peacefully. However, voting at the APC District Office in Kabala was cancelled after concerns about invalid voters, with the process postponed until further notice.
In Falaba District, elections across five polling centres were completed without incident.
The Commission highlighted that where disputes arose, they were addressed through dialogue and timely intervention, reinforcing democratic values.
Across all monitored regions, ICPNC’s observations confirm that the APC constituency and lower-level elections were conducted in a largely peaceful environment. While minor delays and isolated concerns were recorded, these were resolved through constructive engagement among stakeholders.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to supporting peaceful political processes, encouraging parties, candidates, and supporters to embrace tolerance and dialogue in managing differences. Through its monitoring and peacebuilding work, ICPNC continues to promote national cohesion and ensure that Sierra Leone’s democratic processes are conducted in an atmosphere of peace and stability.
