By: Aminata Sesay
Universities in Sierra Leone are moving closer to introducing a Bachelor of Science in Electoral and Political Studies following the validation of a new curriculum aimed at strengthening students’ knowledge of elections, democratic governance and civic participation.
The draft curriculum was validated on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, during a stakeholder consultation organised by the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) at Brookfields Hotel in Freetown.
The initiative follows Resolution 13 of the Tripartite Committee Report, which called for the institutionalization of electoral civic education in tertiary institutions.
The proposed programme is expected to equip students with knowledge of electoral processes, political participation, accountability and democratic governance. It will also provide opportunities for practical learning through research, internships and field engagement.
Speaking at the validation session, ECSL Chief Electoral Commissioner Edmond Alpha said the proposed university programme builds on the Commission’s previous electoral education initiatives, including the Basic Electoral Administration Course introduced in 2006.
He said the programme would help develop professionals and informed citizens with a deeper understanding of electoral and political processes.
The proposed curriculum covers electoral administration, electoral justice, election security, human rights, political parties, democratic governance, campaign financing, political ethics, information integrity, peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
It also addresses emerging issues, including the use of information and communication technology in elections and the need to promote greater inclusion in electoral processes.
Western Region Commissioner responsible for Oversight, Training and Procedures, Zainab Umu Moseray, described the validation as an important step towards strengthening electoral and democratic education in Sierra Leone.
She said the curriculum is intended to promote knowledge, responsible participation, tolerance, inclusion and national cohesion.
The Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) also expressed support for the proposed programme. Its Chairman, Emmanuel K. Amara Esq., said Electoral and Political Studies would provide students with a broader understanding of elections, political parties, participation, accountability and democratic governance.
He also stressed the importance of tolerance, dialogue and peaceful political competition.
Representing the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC), Josephus Sawyer reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to supporting the accreditation and implementation process.
He said the programme would help equip young people with the knowledge and skills needed for responsible participation in democratic processes.
Chairman of the Council of Vice-Chancellors and Principals, Prof. Edwin J. Momoh, commended the collaboration among electoral authorities, regulators, universities and curriculum experts.
He said universities were prepared to work with stakeholders to ensure that the programme is academically sound, relevant and responsive to Sierra Leone’s needs.
Deputy Minister of Technical and Higher Education Sarjoh Aziz-Kamara also welcomed the initiative, emphasizing the importance of strengthening electoral and political knowledge within higher education.
He encouraged stakeholders to use the validation process to develop a practical, relevant and sustainable programme that can contribute to informed citizenship and democratic development.
The validation session marked the third stage of consultations, following earlier engagements held in June and July 2026.
A Training of Trainers programme for university lecturers is expected to take place before implementation of the curriculum.
Stakeholders are now expected to complete the remaining validation and accreditation processes. The proposed Bachelor of Science in Electoral and Political Studies is expected to be finalized and integrated into university academic programmes for the 2026/27 academic year.