ABSTRACT

It is no doubt that violence or war disrupts not only the social, economic, religious dimensions of life but also the education of the community. Violence leads to deaths, destruction of property and displacement of people. It is very hard for children in war torn countries/places to access education due to insecurity, displacement and trauma. This research intends to investigate the effect of electoral violence and its implication on economic activities in Sierra Leone.

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1      Background of the study

The unbridled quest for power by man in his ever unstoppable search for relevance and advantage has indeed, generated so much tensions and hostilities. Elections in Sierra Leone continue to elicit more than casual interest by Sierra Leonean scholars due to the fact that despite the appreciation that only credible election can consolidate and sustain the country’s nascent democracy, over the years, Sierra Leone continues to witness with growing disappointments and apprehension inability to conduct peaceful, free and fair, open elections whose results are widely accepted and respected across the country (Igbuzor, 2010; Osumah & Aghemelo, 2010, Ekweremadu, 2011). The Sierra Leone success story of amalgamation of diverse groups has radically shifted from a platform for peaceful coexistence to an arena of violence and gradual disintegration. The popular explanations for this unexpected situation include colonialism, corruption and political instability (Akeem, 2010). About 50 episodes of violent conflict, which culminated in the death of over