By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
The Chief Minister of Sierra Leone, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh has received an update from the steering committee responsible for implementing the recommendations of the Tripartite Report.
The report, officially known as the Cross-Party Committee on Electoral System and Management Bodies Review Report, aims to reform the country’s electoral system and associated management bodies.
The steering committee, composed of 18 members, including representatives from media and civil society organizations (CSOs), held its inaugural meeting on 29th July 2024. The meeting was a significant step toward the actualization of the report’s recommendations, which are critical to strengthening Sierra Leone’s democratic processes.
During the briefing, Chief Minister Sengeh emphasized the urgency of implementing the report’s recommendations. He confirmed that the terms of reference (TOR) for the committee members had been adopted, paving the way for the establishment of a dedicated secretariat.
“The steering committee’s work is crucial to the integrity of our electoral system, and we must move swiftly to ensure these reforms are realized,” Dr. Sengeh stated.
He underscored the importance of employing a team of experts in legal, financial, and communications sectors to support the secretariat’s operations. Additionally, he mentioned the need for institutional development specialists and public sector analysts to ensure a comprehensive and effective implementation process.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the importance of setting clear timelines for the execution of the recommendations, noting that the success of the reforms depends on timely and efficient action. The upcoming official launch of the implementation phase will mark a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s democratic development.
This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing transparency, accountability, and efficiency within the country’s electoral framework, and it is expected to garner wide support from both national and international stakeholders.