Sewa News Stream

Sierra Leone's new president, Julius Maada Bio, is in London for the 2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. Every two years, 53 member countries meet to discuss and shape Commonwealth policies and priorities. All members have an equal say – regardless of size or economic stature. This ensures even the smallest member countries have a voice in shaping the Commonwealth. It was all smiles and handshakes on the eve of the opening of the summit. The cocktail event, hosted by British Prime Minister Theresa May at the Sky Garden, was just the place for African leaders to meet and greet the newly-elected President Bio. Bio had informal discussions with Rwanda's Paul Kagame, President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria, Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa, and Adama Barrow of The Gambia among others. During the cocktail reception Sierra Leone's First lady, Mrs. Fatima Bio, also met other African first ladies at the Commonwealth Summit. Mr. Bio was also accompanied by

Sierra Leone's National Electoral Commission (NEC) Chairperson and National Returning Officer finally released the results Wednesday, April 4, of the Presidential election run-off held on 31st March. "Both the polls and tallying processes were observed by political parties' agents, various national and international observation missions/groups, embassies and the media," the NEC statement said addressing days of speculation and uncertainty with reports of several recounts at precincts around the small West African country. According to the NEC, the number of valid votes cast for each candidate is as follows: • Kamara, Samura Matthew Wilson, All Peoples Congress (APC), received 1,227,171 votes (representing 48.19 percent of the valid votes cast) • Bio, Julius Maada, Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP), received 1,319,406 votes (representing 51.81 percent of the valid votes cast) Julius Maada Bio having polled 1,319,406 of the valid votes cast in the 31st March