By Assan Bah
Bakary S. Jarju of the United Democratic Party (UDP) has been elected as the new Councillor for the Massembeh Ward in the Kiang East District in the Lower River Region (LRR) following Saturday’s by-election.
The seat was contested by Bakary S. Jarju from the United Democratic Party and Lamin Jarju of the National People’s Party (NPP).
Announcing the official results, Joseph Colley, the Vice Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) announced Bakary S. Jarju as duly elected as ward councillor of the Masesembeh ward.
“I, Joseph Colley, Vice Chairman of the Independent Electoral Commission, on behalf of the Chairman, hereby give notice that the total number of votes given to each candidate in the council by-election of 22nd February, 2025 for the MASSEMBEH WARD is as follows. BAKARY S. JARJU, UDP, 700 Votes; and LAMIN JARJU, NPP, 513 Votes. There was ONE invalid vote,” Colley announced.
The official results, he said, were certified by Lamin J. Jadama, the Returning Officer for the Mansakonko Administrative Area.
Foroyaa had earlier visited the Massembeh and the Kolior polling stations respectively where both voters and IEC officials said voting was conducted in an orderly manner with no major issue reported. Party agents and security personnel were all found on both grounds.
The position was previously held by Councillor Bakary Korita of the UDP, who passed away on November 12, 2024. Korita was re-elected during the 2023 Councillor Elections.
As per section 23 of the Local Government Act, 2002, a by-election should be conducted within two months “where an elected member of a Council ceases to hold office.
The Ward is said to have 1,753 registered voters with Four (4) polling stations [Massembeh, Kolior, Jomari and, Toranka Bantang].
Ward councillors serve at community level, participate in the legislation of by-laws, design of council’s budget, represent community concerns, and as well ensure accountability in the council, making them crucial representatives of the people.
