Sierra Leone opposition boycott may end

Significance

Opposition concerns are reflected internationally: the US State Department on August 31 imposed visa restrictions on officials implicated in the alleged manipulation of the election results to favour Bio and the SLPP.

Impacts

• Worsening economic indicators will increase the risk of unplanned protests.
• Revenue generation problems will squeeze the government’s ability to meet contractual obligations, affecting services such as power supply.
• The government will look to strengthen ties and seek greater financial investment from China, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.