Samuel Kallon 
By Ragan M Conteh
Abu Jim Sankoh, a retired police officer, has emerged the winner of last Saturday’s Paramount Chieftaincy runoff elections in Sanda Magbonlonthor Chiefdom, in Karene Chiefdom with a 411 votes as against 358 votes secured by Abdulai Umar Sesay.
The elections supervised by both the media, security apparatus conducted by ECSL were relatively peaceful and transparent.
The total number of valid votes cast is 769, void votes 8, amounting to 777.
The elections were described by both stakeholders and electorates (TAs) as one of the most peaceful in the history of the chiefdom.
It could be recalled that the first round of the elections saw a high turnout and enthusiastic atmosphere on Friday, September 26, 2025, but was marred by a last-minute postponement of the runoff, which briefly raised tensions among community members.
The election, held at the Sandugu Court Barray, was characterized by high-spirited support, with various candidates’ supporters dancing, singing, and chanting.
However, the process faced a hiccup when the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) Provincial Secretary, Commissioner Augustine, announced that the runoff election would be postponed to the following day, September 27, 2025, citing a lack of voting materials.
The peaceful conduct of the election proceedings was largely attributed to the “water tight security presence” provided by the Port Loko Police Division, led by Local Unit Commander (LUC), Chief Superintendent Fahnbulleh.
LUC Fahnbulleh and his team collaborated with the Kamakwe Police Division to ensure adequate coverage throughout the voting and counting process.
At the end of the elections, Chief Superintendent Fahnbulleh emphasized the critical role of security in high-stakes situations.
“Security is paramount, especially when emotions are high and tensions are running deep,” he stated.
“My team and I are committed to ensuring that the electoral process started and ended peacefully as anticipated.”
He further assured all present that the police were continuously observing the process to “thwart any security threat” and encouraged the youth to maintain peace and abide by electoral regulations.
Chief Superintendent Fahnbulleh’s leadership was widely praised for maintaining law and order, allowing the community to anticipate a safe conclusion to the electoral process.
