The Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs (MLGCA), in collaboration with the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), has successfully completed the Paramount Chieftaincy Declaration process in Malen Chiefdom, Pujehun District, paving the way for the election of a new Paramount Chief on June 14, 2026.
The declaration exercise, which forms a critical stage of the chieftaincy election process, resulted in sixteen aspirants being officially cleared to contest after receiving their declaration boxes.
Leading the verification process, Provincial Secretary South, Abubakarr Kamara, emphasised that the exercise was conducted in strict accordance with the provisions of the Chieftaincy Act of 2009. He noted that the Ministry and ECSL remained committed to ensuring a transparent, credible, and lawful process. “We are guided by the Chieftaincy Act and are ensuring that only eligible candidates from recognised ruling houses are approved to participate in the election,” Mr Kamara stated.
The exercise was attended by the Director of Local Government, Brima Newman Combey, officials of ECSL, traditional authorities, section chiefs, media practitioners, and the District Officer for Pujehun.
As the institution responsible for the administration of chieftaincy affairs, the Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs continues to work closely with ECSL to ensure that Paramount Chieftaincy elections are conducted peacefully, transparently, and in accordance with the laws of Sierra Leone.
In line with established chieftaincy traditions, aspirants are required to emerge from recognised ruling houses within the chiefdom. Malen Chiefdom has confirmed seven ruling houses for the election, including the Kortu, O’Neil, Kebbie, Bankundo, and Magbe ruling houses.
The sixteen approved aspirants are Festus J.K. Kortu, Paul Amadu Sengeh Jr., Hon. Siaka Sama, John Titus O’Neil, Thomas Sheku Sengeh, Hassan Jah Bankundo, Abu Amara Bankundo, Francis Sengova, Maada Joe Kebbie, Mustapha Salia Sengova, Gassimu Kebbie, Alhaji Jaward Kebbie, Amidu Kebbie, Henry Magbe, Bernard Kebbie, and Adami Magbe.
The successful completion of the declaration process marks another important milestone in the journey toward electing a new Paramount Chief for Malen Chiefdom. The Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs and ECSL have assured residents and stakeholders of their continued commitment to a free, fair, and credible election on June 14, 2026.
