1985 Sierra Leonean presidential election

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A referendum to confirm the presidential candidate Joseph Saidu Momoh was held in Sierra Leone on 1 October 1985.[1] It was the country's first direct vote for president.[2] At the time, the country was a one-party state with the All People's Congress as the only legal party.

Momoh was named as the APC's presidential candidate after retiring president Siaka Stevens persuaded several other hopefuls to stand down.[3] Voters only had the option of approving or rejecting his candidacy. Momoh's candidacy was approved by 99.85% of the votes, with just over 4,000 people voting no.

Results

CandidatePartyVotes%
Joseph Saidu MomohAll People's Congress2,780,49599.85
Against4,0960.15
Total2,784,591100.00
Source: African Elections Database

References

  1. ^ Background Note: Sierra Leone US Department of State
  2. ^ Sierra Leone Election New York Times, 2 October 1985
  3. ^ "Siaka Stevens, former prime minister and president of Sierra Leone, dies". The Washington Post. 31 May 1988.