Sierra Leone elections: 1 week to go...

It's really is just another Saturday in Freetown but there is a slightly different feel to today as this is the Saturday before the elections. A week from today people will be casting their votes. My feeling is that everything will be peaceful but people are being cautious. Some of my expat friends were buying their supply of water and food today for the next few weeks, just in case. The US embassy held a 'town hall' meeting and said they expect everything to stay calm, but if something happens, it will likely be between the election day and the day the results are announced. If a party claims to have won, prior to the official announcement, that could cause trouble. So it's really the week post election day that warrants some more cautiousness. I'm going to the British High Commission this weekend for a meeting to find out what their insight is. The plan right now is to go to the hospital (on the east side of town) on Monday and assume it will be fine. I think Tuesday through Friday however, we will work on the West side of town. On election day itself I'm not sure what I'll do. Some NGO's will have lock downs - so their staff is not allowed to go anywhere. I don't think we've come to a decision yet, but it's probably wise! What happens after election day is yet to be decided. So, prayers are welcome for a peaceful next couple of weeks! There is another APC (red) rally tomorrow and a final SLPP (green) rally on Thursday. Let's pray that whatever party wins will be able to move Sierra Leone forward in a way that is beneficial to its people.

Sierra Leone elections: 2 weeks to go

Two weeks from today Sierra Leonean citizens will be lining up at polling centers to cast their votes for the Presidential elections. So far, there have not been any major problems and everyone is hoping it will stay that way. There have been various rallies over the past few weeks, with the two main parties (SLPP and APC) attracting large crowds of people. In Freetown, the rallies have been loud but peaceful. For the most part, people seem to be having a good time. Around town their are billboards with large pictures of presidential candidates. People are wearing shirts in the color affiliated with their political party. Songs on the radio convey messages around making sure the elections are peaceful. And posters have been plastered on walls throughout town encouraging people to know the person they are voting for (not just the party color), ensure there is no violence, highlighting the importance of good governance, etc. Two weeks and counting. Lets commit to no violence.

Sierra Leone elections: T-6 weeks...

Yes, on November 17th, Sierra Leone will hold it's presidential elections. Officially the campaigning starts on the 15th of October. Unofficially, it has already begun. Today there was an SLPP rally throughout town. We first spotted then on Fourah Road from our office window just before we were due to leave the hospital to head to the west side of town. Fortunately, although there was rallying in various parts in the city, our trip didn't really take that much longer. In an hour and 15 minutes we were home.

Even this evening a rally came right past my house. It consisted of a couple of vans, huge speakers, many people trailing behind them, loud music, green clothing and lots of dancing. The strange part was when they passed through the street for a second time an hour later playing a soundtrack that ended with gunshots and glass shattering. That was a bit too bizarre for me.

It will be very interesting to see how politics takes over the city during the next 6 weeks. All I can say is that I hope it stays calm. Sweet Salone please remain peaceful!