Julius Maada Bio was sworn in as president of Sierra Leone on Tuesday, following a disputed election that saw him win re-election. The opposition, led by Samura Kamara, has accused the electoral commission of rigging the results, but Bio has denied the allegations.
Bio, a former military officer, first came to power in 2018. He is a popular figure among many Sierra Leoneans, who credit him with improving the country's economy and education system. However, he has also been criticized for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and for his government's close ties to China.
The election was held on Saturday, June 25. Bio won the first round with 56% of the vote, avoiding a runoff. Kamara, the former vice president, finished second with 41%.
The opposition has accused the electoral commission of inflating Bio's vote count and suppressing votes for Kamara. They have also alleged that the commission refused to allow international observers to monitor the vote counting process.
The electoral commission has denied the allegations, saying that the election was free and fair. The commission has also said that it is willing to investigate any credible allegations of fraud.
Bio's inauguration comes at a time of political and economic uncertainty in Sierra Leone. The country is facing a number of challenges, including rising inflation, unemployment, and food insecurity. Bio has pledged to address these challenges and to build a better future for Sierra Leoneans.