The United States will curb visas for those it holds responsible for undermining democracy in Sierra Leone, including in the country’s 2023 elections, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement on Thursday.
Blinken said under this policy, the United States will pursue visa restrictions for those believed to be responsible for manipulation or rigging of the electoral process and for intimidation of voters, election observers and civil society organizations.
According to Mr Blinken, individuals the United States believes might have manipulated or rigged the June 24 poll, in which Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP)‘s Julius Bio emerged as the winner, would be ineligible to secure a U.S. visa.
Also, those involved in the intimidation of voters, electoral observers and abuse of human rights through threats or violence may find themselves unqualified for U.S. visas, likewise their family members under the visa restriction policy.
