By: James Kamara-Manneh
The coalition of Election Observers (CEO) being the new kid on the block has detailed senior pressmen about their mandate and the role they have played in the ongoing voter registration process.
Speaking at their Secretariat in Freetown yesterday, the team Joseph Sannoh said it is only Sierra Leone that consists of one election observer body, quoting other countries with several. He said the CEO’s vision is for all citizens to be able to exercise their franchise in all electoral processes in a free, fair, transparent and credible manner.
He said they formed this organization without any sponsorship, donor partners, or funds from any government or government partnership. Sannoh said that this organization is formed devoid of tribal lines, regional, political beliefs or ideology; rather it is in the interest of every Sierra Leoneans. He disclosed that at the start of the organization 40 members stated it and today the membership is above 60.
“We believe that it the mandate was given in section 31 of the constitution that one should be of sound mind and should be 18yrs and above…”
He said with such they have invited various international election observers that will partner with them in observing the upcoming election process. With such a backdrop, Sannoh adds that CEO is also mandated to promote civic education through the involvement of local authorities, civil society organizations, media and other stakeholders in the electioneering processes to enhance free, fair, and credible elections.
Amongst the many challenges, the slow registration process, rejection of people especially first-term voters due to lack of proper identification, and overpopulation of the registration centers in all districts on the first three days and the last two days of the first phase at various voter’s registration centers.
Sannoh concludes by making a clarion call for government partners to see the need of supporting the organization in a drive to achieve their aims and objectives come to the 2023 general multitier election.