The Commonwealth Elections Observer Group in Sierra Leone has commended the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (EC-SL) for managing a largely peaceful election. The Group further said it is very much impressed by the largely peaceful conduct of Sierra Leone elections.
In its interim statement on Sierra Leone’s June 24 elections, the Group, led by the His Excellency Prof. Yemi Osinbajo said the Group is setting out its final report composing its full findings on the entire process and its recommendations will be submitted to the Commonwealth Secretary-General.
He said the Commonwealth is honoured to have been invited by the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone to observe these elections, noting that the Commonwealth has been an enduring companion of this nation on its extraordinary journey since independence, witnessing the country’s evolution into what it is today.
“The Commonwealth family continues to stand in solidarity with Sierra Leone in these elections, noting that these elections were the first to be held against a background of some significant changes, including, among others, the introduction of the District Block Proportional Representation System, gender quotas for nomination of candidates, and a shortened period in which election petitions should be resolved.
“The participation of political party leaders and of the flagbearers in the Election Pledge that was facilitated by the Commonwealth held on 25th May, 2023, was testament to a common interest in free, fair and peaceful elections. I commend all involved in the electoral process, especially on election day, for demonstrating their abiding commitment to this democratic spirit” the Groups stated.
Speaking on its finding on the electoral process, the Commonwealth Group said: “We were impressed by the significant turn-out of voters and the largely peaceful conduct of elections, a testimony to the will of the people to consolidate the democratic gains of Sierra Leone.
“The eyes of the international community, the development partners and the family of the Commonwealth are on this nation. It was observed that election actors conducted themselves as expected on election day. Prior to election day, the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone had provided various assurances of its preparedness and readiness to conduct the elections as scheduled.
“While we commend the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone for managing a largely peaceful election day. We noted reported challenges with respect to communication, transparency and the level of trust in the electoral commission and other key state institutions which are key to the electoral process, such as the judiciary.
“I will comment on some of these aspects shortly. The voters were largely peaceful and patient, even with the delayed opening of the polls, which we note with concern was due to the late arrival of the voter register, ballot papers and other sensitive materials in several cases.
“Security services were present in most stations visited. Unfortunately, there were isolated critical incidents, including reported skirmishes, police arrests, attacks on polling officials and political party agents, and harassment of police officers. We noted that the elections were competitive.
“The electoral staff were professional, conciliatory and for the most part managed emerging conflicts well. Notwithstanding a few isolated incidents, the will of the people of Sierra Leone for a democratic process was reflected in the behaviour of those involved in the electoral process on election day, and this is to be commended”.
See full statement on page 5 of this edition.
