By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Executive Director of the Institute for Governance Reform IGR, Andrew Lavalie, has publicly reaffirmed the credibility and findings of the institute’s Political Party Internal Democracy Survey, which places Dr Kandeh Kolleh Yumkella as the most liked and most electable figure within the Sierra Leone People’s Party SLPP.
Speaking on Truth Media FM on Wednesday morning, Mr Lavalie said the survey, released in December 2025, was conducted using strict ethical standards and a transparent methodology. He emphasized that the process was professional, independent, and free from political interference.
According to him, IGR engaged extensively with the leadership of the two main political parties before the release of the findings. He disclosed that the institute spent more than one hour engaging the SLPP leadership and over three hours with the All People’s Congress APC, during which the methodology and survey questions were clearly explained. Mr Lavalie clarified that neither party endorsed the survey nor provided any list of flagbearer aspirants.
He further explained that the respondents were mainly party members and supporters rather than only delegates, a decision he said was deliberate in order to reflect genuine grassroots opinion across the country. This approach, he noted, helped the survey to capture the true mood and preferences of party loyalists.
The findings discussed during the radio programme show that Dr Yumkella leads the SLPP field with 48 percent likability and 38 percent electability, making him the strongest overall performer among the potential contenders. He is followed by the Chief Minister, Dr David Moinina Sengeh, who recorded 38 percent likability and 33 percent electability.
The survey also revealed that First Lady Dr Fatima Bio enjoys a high likability rating of 47 percent, although her electability score stood at 32 percent. Vice President Dr Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh recorded 29 percent likability and 23 percent electability, placing him behind the other leading figures mentioned in the findings.
Mr Lavalie said the survey further showed that supporters place strong value on high educational background, leadership experience, and international exposure when considering a potential flagbearer. He noted that these qualities closely align with Dr Yumkella’s profile, which may explain his strong performance in both likability and electability.
In concluding his remarks, Mr Lavalie described the leadership race within the SLPP as a political marathon rather than a sprint. He acknowledged that public opinion can change over time as events unfold and campaigns intensify. However, he maintained that the current data sends a clear early signal.
As internal discussions within the SLPP continue to gain momentum, the IGR survey positions Dr Yumkella firmly in the lead and provides party leaders with a key reference point as they consider a candidate capable of commanding broad support and national appeal.
