Tensions boiled over at the Bar Association election today as what was supposed to be a peaceful democratic process turned into chaos. Lawyers were seen engaged in physical altercations, fighting each other, and even scattering all the voting material across the floor.
The Executive of The Sierra Leone Bar Association failed to conduct a peaceful election, as what was expected to be a calm process turned into a battleground. Our learned friends, some of the most brilliant citizens, found themselves fighting each other and scattering election material all over the floor.
Reports say 70% of delegates were unable to vote in this year’s Sierra Leone Bar Association elections.
Reports furthered that the environment was chaotic to the point that police officers had to use tear gas and pepper spray to disperse the crowd.
Responding to the incident, citizens expressed their dismay, stating, ‘It’s disheartening to witness such chaos in what should have been a civilized election. Many believed that the peaceful campaign would also be evident during the elections.’
The situation was further exacerbated by concerns over external interference. Reports indicate that the State’s keen interest in determining the next President has cast doubt on the fairness of the process.
The tense battle for the Bar Association presidency is between popular lawyer and activist Augustine Sorie-Sengbe Marrah, Wara Serry-Kamal, and Tuma Gento, the wife of a former mayoral aspirant for the ruling SLPP government Mohamed Gento Kamara
