SLP Tightens Security as Tunkia Heads Into Paramount Chieftaincy Runoff

Division, has issued a final update on the Paramount Chieftaincy election in Tunkia Chiefdom, as the second round of voting gets underway following an inconclusive first round.

According to the Provincial Secretary, Eastern Province, none of the nine candidates met the required threshold to be declared winner in the initial round. The results announced for the first phase are as follows:

1. Amara Sama Jombo Watta – 527 votes (24.29%)

2. Fatmata Javobo – 135 votes (6.22%)

3. Kamara Aewaiagbo Foday – 277 votes (12.77%)

4. Koroma Bonasu – 51 votes (2.35%)

5. Koroma Lelema – 60 votes (2.30%)

6. Kororm Sama Brima – 20 votes (0.09%)

7. Sama Gunyah Jumano – 442 votes (20.37%)

8. Sombie Sama Amara Patrick – 338 votes (15.58%)

9. Sama Taimeh Vandi Sama – 338 votes (15.58%)

With no candidate securing the required majority, election officials have proceeded to the runoff stage, prompting the SLP to heighten its operational readiness to ensure a peaceful, transparent, and orderly process.

During a comprehensive security briefing ahead of the second round, Regional Police Commander–East, AIG Francis Brima Meinday, commended officers for their professionalism during the first phase, noting that their diligence contributed to an incident-free process. He praised the team for delivering what he described as “effective and efficient police service.”

AIG Meinday urged personnel to redouble their efforts, emphasizing that the runoff could extend into late evening hours—a period he acknowledged as particularly challenging for security operations. He reminded officers of the need for heightened vigilance, discipline, and collaborative effort throughout the exercise.

Supporting this message, Chief Superintendent Bob Musa Mansaray, Local Unit Commander (LUC), Kenema Division, instructed all deployed officers to remain at their designated posts and maintain assertiveness in carrying out their duties. He underscored their responsibility to protect the integrity of the electoral process and uphold public safety.

“The mission remains singular one job, one body, one mind, and one soul,” CSP Mansaray stated, reinforcing the unified approach required from the security team.

The Sierra Leone Police reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a smooth and incident-free conclusion to the Paramount Chieftaincy election.

The SLP also called on candidates, supporters, and community members to remain patient, peaceful, and respectful of the rule of law as the process nears completion.