Sierra Leone records world’s first blockchain-powered election

Sierra Leone’s March 7 election, world’s first in using blockchain technology

Sierra Leone’s 7 March election, which has gone into a run-off scheduled for 27 March, marked a global landmark: the world’s first ever block chain-powered presidential elections.

As president Ernest Bai Koroma leaves office after serving two five-year terms, the maximum allowed constitutionally, Sierra Leoneans have had to pick from a pool of 16 candidates including the ruling party’s Samura Kamara, the erstwhile foreign minister, and Julius Maada Bio, former military head of state and candidate of the main opposition party.

Results released by Sierra Leone’s election commission (NEC) suggest a run-off between Bio and Kamara is likely with neither candidate securing the required 55% of votes so far.

Sierra Leone’s new president will be tasked with a continued rebuilding given the country’s recent major disasters.