By Henry Kargbo

The Chairman of the Hajj Presidential Task Force Alhaji Murtada M. Sesay has on Thursday 18 May 2023, reveled to a news conference in Freetown that eligible voters amongst over six hundred (600) pilgrims to perform this year’s Pilgrimage in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, will vote early.He made this revelation whiles updating the media on the Hajj Presidential Task Force’s preparation for this year’s pilgrimage, during the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) weekly press briefings, at Youyi Building in Freetown.

Speaking further on plans and preparations ahead of their departure, Alhaji Sesay said, “Eligible voters amongst this year’s pilgrims will not be in the country for the forthcoming general elections,” adding that they may leave for Saudi Arabia starting June 17-19, and are expected to return early in July.

Chairman Alhaji Sesay reiterated that there are eligible citizens among the pilgrims who will not be in country for the forthcoming general election. He disclosed that pilgrims absent were noticed several months ago pointing out that with the guidance and support of the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone, “we have now have a legislative instrument in place that will allow them for early voting.

He outlined that the cost of this year pilgrim is estimated at Six Thousand Seven Hundred (US$6,7OO) per pilgrim, noting that the Committee has credible and transparent payments and registration procedures.

He noted that the cost has been carefully composed and it does not fully cover the actual cost.

Alhaji Sesay highlighted that rolling out the Hajj programme generally involves generating numerous formal communications with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

He recalled that the Hajj process has always been implemented through a “Hajj Committee’’, under the overall direction of the Ministry of Social Welfare.