By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara
The Government of Sierra Leone has suspended the ongoing electoral process for the selection of Paramount Chiefs in three chiefdoms across the country following concerns raised within the affected communities.
In an official communication dated March 13, 2026, the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs announced that the Paramount Chieftaincy elections in parts of the Eastern and Southern regions have been placed on hold until further notice.
According to the letter, which was issued from the ministry’s headquarters at the Youyi Building in Freetown, the suspension affects the electoral process in Dodo Chiefdom, Jaluahun Chiefdom, and Imperri Chiefdom.
The communication, referenced MLG/43/02, was issued by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Bai M. Thuray. It was addressed to the Provincial Secretaries for the Eastern and Southern Regions, instructing them to halt all electoral activities relating to the selection of Paramount Chiefs in the affected chiefdoms.
Copies of the notice were also sent to several key officials and institutions, including the Minister of Local Government and Community Affairs, the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone, the Director of Local Government, and district administrators in the respective areas.
District officials copied in the correspondence include the Senior
District Officer in Kenema District, the District Officer in Kailahun District, and the District Officer in Bonthe District.While the ministry did not specify the exact nature of the concerns that led to the suspension, it noted that the decision was taken to allow authorities sufficient time to review and address issues raised within the affected chiefdoms before the electoral process proceeds.
Officials say the move is intended to maintain order and ensure that the chieftaincy elections are conducted in a transparent and credible manner that reflects the traditions and expectations of the local communities.
The letter concluded by appealing for cooperation from the relevant authorities and stakeholders, noting that their “usual understanding is highly solicited” during the period of suspension.
Paramount Chieftaincy elections remain a central part of the traditional governance system in Sierra Leone. Under this system, Paramount Chiefs are selected through an electoral process involving recognized ruling houses within each chiefdom, in accordance with customary practices and national regulations.
Authorities have not yet announced when the suspended electoral processes in Dodo Chiefdom, Jaluahun Chiefdom, and Imperri Chiefdom will resume. However, government officials have indicated that further guidance will be communicated once the outstanding issues are adequately addressed.
Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday, 16th March 2026 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
