The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) has officially announced its election timetable and regulations for the highly anticipated 2025 national and regional elections. This marks the beginning of the electoral process to transition leadership within the association, as the tenure of the current President, Ahmed Sahid Nasrala, nears its conclusion. The election is expected to be a pivotal event for the organization, which plays a critical role in advocating for press freedom and the welfare of journalists across Sierra Leone.
In a statement issued by SLAJ’s Chief Electoral Commissioner, Zainab Iyamide Joaque, key dates and guidelines for the election were outlined, setting the framework for a transparent and orderly process. According to the schedule, the nomination of candidates will officially begin on Friday, February 28, 2025, and close on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Following the nomination period, the final list of eligible candidates will be published on March 21, 2025. This will officially kick off the campaign season, which will run from March 31, 2025, to June 5, 2025, giving candidates ample time to present their visions and rally support from members.
The election itself is set to take place on Saturday, June 7, 2025, when SLAJ members will cast their votes to determine the next President and regional leaders who will guide the association for the upcoming term. The voting process will be conducted through a secret ballot at a venue that will be announced later. Polling stations will be open from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., after which the voting process will officially close. To maintain order and avoid overcrowding, all delegates will be required to vacate the polling area immediately after casting their votes.
A critical component of the election process is the eligibility criteria for voters. Commissioner Joaque emphasized that only fully paid-up members—those who have settled both their membership dues and delegate fees—will be eligible to participate in the election. However, an exception has been made for members who have cleared their membership dues, but have not paid their delegate fees; they will still be allowed to vote, but only through a proxy. Furthermore, SLAJ members based in the host region of the election will be exempted from paying delegate fees.
Strict measures have also been put in place to ensure the integrity of the electoral process. To be allowed to vote, each member must present a valid identification card, which could be a Media Institution ID, National ID, Passport, or Driver’s License. Additionally, voters will not be permitted to bring bags, phones, or any other electronic devices into the polling area. Any violation of this rule will result in immediate removal from the polling station.
Reiterating the importance of upholding the secrecy of the ballot, Commissioner Joaque issued a stern warning against any actions that could compromise the process. She specifically cautioned voters against taking photos of their ballots inside the voting booth, stating that any individual caught doing so would forfeit their vote. This measure aims to prevent undue influence, vote-buying, or any other forms of electoral malpractice that could undermine the credibility of the election.
As the election period approaches, SLAJ members are expected to engage in robust discussions, debates, and campaign activities that will shape the future of the association. The upcoming elections represent a crucial moment for the organization, offering an opportunity for members to select leaders who will champion the rights of journalists and uphold the principles of press freedom in Sierra Leone.