We have watched toddlers become teenagers, young adults join the Roots Project and complete internships, and last year, we saw our first group of young adults be accepted into University. This week, we are recognizing another first for the young adults at The Raining Season. On Saturday, June 24th, a group of young adults voted for the first time in Sierra Leone’s presidential election.
When we first opened our doors, we made a commitment to raising a new generation that would be healed from the inside out. We want each life to become a ripple of change, bringing hope for generations to come. The opportunity to vote is just one way they are letting their voices be heard and helping to shape the future of Sierra Leone.
Have you ever wondered what an election in Sierra Leone looks like? Any citizen eighteen years or older can register to vote. This year, approximately 3.4 million Sierra Leoneans were registered to vote. The election is held on a Saturday, and voters were voting for president and members of Parliament to serve five-year terms. This year, there were thirteen presidential candidates. In Sierra Leone, the election is won by receiving at least fifty-five percent of the votes. A run-off between the top two vote-getters is held if no candidate receives fifty-five percent of the votes. On Tuesday, it was announced that the incumbent, Julius Maada Bio, was re-elected after receiving fifty-six percent of the votes.
As many of our young adults had the opportunity to vote in their first election, we are reminded of our vision of raising up a new generation – one that will bring hope for the future. We have young adults with aspirations who are studying public health, social work, public administration, business administration, and procurement and logistics. They have hopes and dreams, and because of your support and commitment to them, their hopes and dreams are becoming a reality. Thank you for your prayers for a peaceful election.
Many blessings,
The Raining Season