By Kabs Kanu
In a last minute dramatic twist to Sierra Leone’s presidential elections slated for June 24, the candidacy of All People’s Congress (APC) flagbearer, Dr. Samura Kamara is being challenged to court by rebels within the party.
Former Sports Minister and Publisher of FOR DI PEOPLE newspaper, Paul Kamara and Ex-Deputy Ambassador to the Sierra Leone Embassy in the U.S. have filed an application for constructions, interpretation and determination to Sections 35 (4) and 76 (1) D of the national constitution 1991, Act No. 6 of 1991.
As seen from the court papers below, they are seeking a determination from the court whether the Transitional Interim Independent Election Management (TIIEM ) had the legal mandate to conduct the APC National Delegates Convention in Makeni from the 17-19 February 2023 where Dr. Samura Kamara was elected presidential candidate, and also whether the findings of the Commission of Inquiry and the pending criminal case on the matter of the alleged embezzlement of funds meant for the renovation of the Sierra Leone UN Mission Chancery in New York (in which Dr. Kamara is one of the accused ) should have been taken into consideration by the Elections Commission of Sierra Leone ( ECSL) on the nomination of Dr. Samura Kamara as presidential candidate of the APC.
The first Respondent is the Elections Commission Chairman; the second the Elections Commission; the third Dr. Samura Kamara and the fourth the APC.
In layman’s term, they are asking the court to construct, interpret and determine the legitimacy of Dr. Samura Kamara ‘s candidacy.
