By: Thaimu Bai Sesay
In its observation report of the just concluded general elections, the Sierra Leone Bar Association (SLBA), a professional body of legal practitioners has confirmed that the June 24, 2023, multi-tier elections were free, fair and largely peaceful.
Actively engaged in the electoral processes, the Sierra Leone Bar Association intimated that two weeks prior to the day of the polls, the association organized a nationwide sensitization on electoral education titled as ‘Know your laws’ Series from the 9th to 23rd June 2023.
Accredited by the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL), the Bar Association also noted that it deployed 63 observers in all 16 districts in Sierra Leone to observe the June 24, 2023 elections.
Based on the legal framework of the report’s findings, SLBA noted that the Public Elections Act of 2022 was enacted in the election and added that the electoral commission acted in accordance with the applicable law.
Recalling the pre-voting system organized for the pilgrims, the Bar Association expressed that the process met the standard required by the applicable law and acceptable national practice.
The Sierra Leone Bar Association further expressed that the media codes and regulations were adhered to and journalists were largely professional in their reporting. SLBA however noted, that it observed the adverse misuse and abuse of social media by political agents, which led to heightened political and ethno-regional tensions.
SLBA also noted that it observed the presence of party agents in all polling stations and tally centres across the country, unarmed security personnel and freedom of movement during the electioneering process which it said contributed to the high turnout of voters.
“The SLBA observed that after the close of the polls, counting of ballot papers was done transparently in the presence of all political parties’ agents and observers. Where there are discrepancies, the ECSL personnel availed the opportunity for verification. Though in a few stations, the RRFs were not enough, the information was written on a sheet of paper and party agents and observers were allowed to take evidence of the same. The SLBA notes however these challenges did not hamper the election, nor does it affect any contesting candidate,” SLBA firmly noted in its observation report.
The Sierra Leone Bar Association also noted that it observed some unofficial bodies accredited by ECSL to observe the elections but wrongly held a view and misinformed the public about the outcome of the 2023 elections before the unofficial announcement by ECSL. SLBA said that those actions had resulted in unnecessary political tensions and also appeared to undermine the credibility of the electoral process. The Bar Association equally noted that it observed some irregularities on the part of ECSL such as the late voting in all 16 districts, and inadequate identification of ECSL personnel, and provided recommendations on that.
To prevent delay and reduce the late opening of polling stations during voting, the Sierra Leone Bar Association recommended that the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone should improve on logistics planning for the effective and adequate distribution of electoral materials. It stressed the clear and proper identification of ECSL personnel to prevent imposters on Election Day.
SLBA also recommended ECSL improve its communications with the public in order to address misinformation and disinformation which it said have the potential to undermine the credibility of ECSL. The Bar Association made a strong warning to election observation groups to refrain from announcing election results saying it is a usurpation of the constitutional mandate of ECSL. SLBA added that such actions have the proclivity of heightening political tension and advised that concerns raised by political parties or election observation groups should be determined in a court of competent jurisdiction.
The Sierra Leone Bar Association ended by commending the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone and the security personnel for their selfless service. It extendedly congratulated His Excellency Dr Julius Maada Bio on his re-election as President of the Republic of Sierra Leone.