By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
The Institute for Governance Reforms (IGR) held a press conference today at their office on Spur Road, where they revealed their latest report titled “Front Groups for Political Parties.” This report, part of the Critical Perspectives of Governance series released quarterly, delves into the concerning trend of political influence infiltrating civic spaces in Sierra Leone. Andrew Lavali, the Executive Director of IGR, highlighted the report’s significance in uncovering the underlying issues beyond the superficial dichotomy of political parties APC and SLPP.
Andrew Lavali, the Executive Director of the Institute for Governance Reforms, began by addressing the recent Bar Association election, labeling it as unfortunate and politically strategic. He expressed concern over partisans contesting the election and the subsequent celebration of only one faction, emphasizing that such polarization undermines the integrity of the Bar Association and signifies a dangerous trend of political interference in professional institutions.
Lavali pointed out that the chaos during the Bar election reflected a broader pattern of unchecked penetration and capture of unions, networks, CSOs, and community groups by the SLPP. He highlighted the report’s focus on unraveling the constraints tightening the civic space in Sierra Leone, emphasizing the need to understand these issues and providing recommendations to address them.
The “Front Groups for Political Parties” report traces the decline of civic space in Sierra Leone since 2013, citing instances of illegal arrests of CSOs and journalists. Lavali outlined four key indicators used to assess the nature of civic space: media freedom, civil society space, inclusion and equality, and the quality of elections, all backed by statistical data.
The significance of the report in Sierra Leone’s democratic landscape was underscored by Lavali, who emphasized its lessons for actors committed to building civic space and democracy. He outlined seven key points gleaned from the report, highlighting issues such as the repetition of injustice, the opposition’s singular focus on elections, and the dangers of ignoring citizen voices.
In response to the challenges identified, the IGR put forth five recommendations aimed at reclaiming civic space and enabling the effective operation of CSOs, media, and other groups. These recommendations include developing and launching civic space projects, depoliticizing civil society, ensuring transparency in election commentaries, implementing political party reforms, and sensitizing development partners to political agendas.
The unveiling of the “Front Groups for Political Parties” report by the Institute for Governance Reforms signals a critical step in addressing the erosion of civic space in Sierra Leone. With comprehensive analysis and actionable recommendations, the report provides a roadmap for stakeholders to safeguard democracy and uphold the integrity of civil society.
