Sierra Leone Election: Calls for Unity and Trust Amidst Controversy

European election observers in Sierra Leone have raised concerns about "statistical inconsistencies" in the presidential election results, calling for the prompt publication of disaggregated results data per polling station to ensure transparency. President Julius Maada Bio was declared the winner with 56% of the vote, narrowly avoiding a run-off, but his main rival, Samura Kamara, has rejected the outcome, citing lack of credibility. The observers noted discrepancies in the number of valid votes per polling station, a low number of invalid ballots nationwide, and a high turnout exceeding 95% in certain districts. The United States, Britain, Ireland, Germany, France, and the EU have also expressed concerns about transparency and logistical problems during the voting process.