By: Kebba Ansu Manneh
Community leaders and residents of Makka Sadeer village in the Central River Region (CRR) have voiced growing frustration over the prolonged delay in appointing a new Alkalo, more than a year after democratic elections overwhelmingly favored one candidate.
The village has remained without a substantive traditional leader since the death of former Alkalo Abdul Jawo in 2025. Two separate elections, organized by Niani District Chief Pierre Bah, were conducted to fill the vacancy, with Abdoulie Manneh emerging victorious in both. Despite clear majorities, authorities have yet to formally appoint him, leaving the community in limbo and stalling local development initiatives.
Villagers who spoke to this medium expressed deep concern that the delay is undermining their democratic choice and eroding public trust in local governance.
Mbye Manneh, a resident, recounted the electoral process: “When the villagers raised the concern, Chief Pierre Bah came here to conduct an election between the acting Alkalo Saidou Jawo and Abdoulie Manneh.
Abdoulie won 10 votes to 5 by raising of hands.” He said the Chief later annulled the first result, citing insufficient participation, and ordered a fresh poll restricted to household heads with valid ID cards.
“In the second election, Saidou Jallow got 15 votes while Abdoulie Manneh got 25 votes,” Manneh added. “This shows the villagers’ preferred choice is Abdoulie Manneh, but the authorities have failed to appoint him.”
Gebriel Cham provided further details: “During the initial election attended by 15 compound heads, Mr. Abdoulie Manneh secured 10 votes. The Chief argued that Maka Saderr has 41 compound heads and called for a second election. In the subsequent vote, Mr. Abdoulie Manneh again won with 25 votes against 15.”
Cham and other residents argued that the repeated victories demonstrate strong community support for Manneh. They expressed concern that the continued recognition of the defeated candidate, Saidou Jawo—who remains in office and receives a government salary—is fueling perceptions of bias.
“The prolonged delay in implementing the election results, coupled with the continued recognition of the defeated candidate, has created a widespread perception that the District Chief is supporting Mr. Saidou Jawo contrary to the wishes of the people,” said resident Saidou Ndow.
Amie Abdoulie Manneh and Saidou Cham echoed these sentiments, warning that ignoring the will of the majority could breed disunity in the village. They called on Chief Pierre Bah, CRR Governor Ousman Bah, and the Minister of Local Government to clarify the reasons for the delay and respect the democratic outcome.
Chief Pierre Bah confirmed to this reporter that he had fulfilled his responsibilities. “I have done my part as far as the Alkaloship is concerned—that is to conduct an election, compile the results and write a report. I have submitted everything to the Governor. What is left is between the Governor and the Ministry of Local Government,” he stated. He denied any involvement in delaying the appointment.
Repeated attempts to obtain comments from Governor Ousman Bah were unsuccessful, as calls and messages went unanswered.
Residents say the absence of a confirmed Alkalo has hampered socio-economic progress and weakened community confidence in governance structures. They urged relevant authorities to intervene swiftly to uphold democratic principles and restore effective leadership in Makka Sadeer.
