Presidential candidate for the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) yesterday said the elections slated for November 29 could split the association if candidates succeed to dish out money out money for votes.

Ibrahim Karim-Sei, who was secretary-general until recently, made this observation during his campaign launch at the YMCA hall on Fort Street in Freetown.

He is running a joint campaign with outgoing assistant secretary-general Mustapha Sesay, who is contesting for the position of secretary general.

"The election has the potential to split SLAJ membership, especially in the provincial areas because it is alleged that some candidates are giving money for votes," he said.

He said the association needs an independent president who is not a member of any political party because the public expects much from the association.

Karim-Sei said he was contesting the election because he wants to effect changes in the association.

"I have acquired leadership skills over the years and I have ably represented SLAJ at many fora. That representation helped to expand on the borders of SLAJ to an extent that today it has become a household name in Sierra Leone," he said.

He said if elected he would seek to improve on the working conditions of journalists, particularly reporters, who have for the past years yearned for better conditions of service.

He also said he would seek to provide more training programmes to build the capacity of SLAJ members.

In his first 100 days, Karim-Sei said he would embark on a post-elections reconciliation tour of the regions to address some of the individual differences that have come up during the elections and chart the way forward for development.

"Today as we enter another round of stewardship of our association, I am proud to say that I see myself a fulfilled man. I say so because I have been able to accomplish the task or rather live up to the confidence you invested in me four years ago," he said.

Aspirant for the position of secretary general, Mustapha Sesay, reiterated the importance of electing people who have the ability to serve the organization.

"Karim-Sei may not be an orator or a public figure to non-journalists/media personnel, but he is a man of principle and integrity, and devoted to duty," Sesay said of his reasons for running a joint campaign with Karim-Sei.