The Sports Writers Association of Sierra Leone (SWASAL) successfully conducted its elections on Saturday, 30th November 2024 at Wusum Hotel in Makeni.
The incumbent President, Sahr Morris Junior was re-elected after securing 75 votes, ahead of his opponent Ishamail Saidu Kanu Esq, who got 70 votes. Meanwhile, the incumbent Vice President Mohamed Lamrana Bah was defeated by Sheku Sackoh Turay, former Chairman SWASAL North.
The other executive committee positions were uncontested, hence Francess Bernard Sally, who made history three years ago in Freetown as the first ever female SWASAL Secretary General, remains in that role for another term.
The former SWASAL Organizing Secretary, Desmond Tunde Coker, is the new Assistant Secretary General. Emmanuel Christian Thorli keeps his position as Financial Secretary while Mohamed Abu Conteh and Paul Kamara have been handed the opportunity to serve as the association’s Organizing Secretary and Public Relations Officer, respectively.
Similarly in the Northern Regional Elections, delegates extended the tenure of incumbents Chairperson and General Secretary Alusine Rehme Wilson and Umaro Saidu Turay while Abu Bakarr Kargbo and Mohamed Chernor Bah were for the first time elected as Chairperson and Vice Chairperson uncontested for the Southern Region. However no elections were held for the Eastern Region.
Following the announcement of the election results and declaration of winners, the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists Electoral Commission (SLAJEC) Chief Electoral Commissioner Zainab Iyamide Joaque clearly stated that anyone who feels dissatisfied can challenge the validity of the results within seven days.
The tenure of this newly elected executive committee members will end on November 29, 2027.