BY ADAMA CONTEH
In a bid to foster inclusive and transparent elections in Sierra Leone, the National Election Watch (NEW) unveiled its extensive findings and observations from the 2023 electoral cycle during a recent event at the New Brookfields Hotel. Chairperson Mrs. Marcella Samba-Sesay emphasized the pivotal role of NEW in advancing democracy, noting the organization’s transition from mere ballot monitoring to ensuring free and transparent electoral processes.
Mrs. Samba-Sesay underscored the significance of post-election assessments, urging stakeholders to view democracy as an evolving endeavor. She commended legislative strides such as the repeal of part V of the public order Act and the passage of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Law, alongside institutional enhancements by the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) to foster inclusivity in electoral procedures.
Highlighting the dedication of NEW’s members, which include over 450 registered organizations and thousands of Sierra Leoneans, Mrs. Samba-Sesay acknowledged the challenges encountered during the 2023 electoral cycle, including attacks and irregularities. She rallied support for electoral reforms and emphasized the importance of unity in fortifying democracy.
National Coordinator Rev. James Lahai reiterated NEW’s commitment to electoral integrity, noting the organization’s extensive experience in observing Sierra Leonean elections since 2002. He outlined challenges encountered during the 2023 elections, including logistical issues and irregularities affecting the tallying process, which undermined the credibility of the results.
Rev. Lahai reaffirmed NEW’s vision for governance and electoral contexts aligned with the true will of the voters. He emphasized the organization’s mandate to observe and report impartially on electoral processes while advocating for legal reforms consistent with international standards.
The launch of the 2023 Electoral Cycle Report marks a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s democratic journey, signaling a collective effort towards strengthening electoral systems and promoting national unity. NEW’s call for sustained momentum on electoral reform underscores the imperative of ongoing collaboration among stakeholders to uphold democratic principles and ensure credible elections in the future.
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