By: Aminata Sesay
Sierra Leone’s drive to strengthen electoral governance and democratic institutions gained momentum on Friday as the Public Sector Reform Unit (PSRU) submitted Independent Management and Functional Review (IMFR) reports on four key Electoral Management Bodies to the Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh.
The submission underscores the Government’s commitment to translating the post-2023 elections reform agenda into concrete institutional change. The reviews form part of the Tripartite Public Sector Reform Framework, which focuses on improving efficiency, accountability, and service delivery within critical public institutions particularly those with direct influence on electoral integrity and democratic credibility.
Receiving the reports, Chief Minister Dr. Sengeh said the IMFR findings complement the work of the Tripartite Steering Committee on Electoral Reforms, established to address structural and governance gaps identified after the 2023 elections. He explained that the reform process extends beyond electoral events, targeting long-term improvements in systems, institutions, and oversight mechanisms to ensure credible elections and democratic stability.
Dr. Sengeh disclosed that significant progress is already underway, with substantial implementation of the 80 recommendations generated through the broader reform process. He described the IMFRs as a vital tool for aligning institutional reform with national governance priorities and assured stakeholders of the Government’s resolve to act on the recommendations.
Commending the PSRU, the Chief Minister noted that the reviews reflected a rigorous and inclusive process that incorporated both internal institutional assessments and broader stakeholder input. He said this depth analysis would help ensure that reforms are practical, evidence-based, and sustainable.
Also speaking, the Minister of Public Administration and Political Affairs, Mr. Amara Kallon, praised the PSRU for its technical competence and professionalism. He emphasized that the reviews addressed core operational, governance, and accountability challenges within the assessed institutions and noted that the recommendations would strengthen transparency and institutional effectiveness.
Presenting the reports, PSRU Director, Mr. Sulaiman Phoray-Musa, outlined the methodology used, which combined desk research, interviews, focus group discussions, and structured questionnaires administered nationwide. He explained that this approach ensured a balanced mix of qualitative and quantitative insights into institutional performance.
The reviews covered the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC), Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), Independent Police Complaints Board (IPCB), and the Independent Media Commission (IMC). Mr. Phoray-Musa noted that the recommendations focus on strengthening governance frameworks, improving operational systems, clarifying legal mandates, and enhancing coordination among electoral and media oversight bodies.
The IMFR reports are expected to guide future policy and institutional reforms, while also serving as key reference documents to rebuild and strengthen public confidence in Sierra Leone’s electoral and democratic institutions.