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A broad coalition of civil society organisations across Sierra Leone has issued a strong and unified press statement condemning what it described as the “mischaracterisation and misinformation” directed at the National Election Watch (NEW) and its leadership during recent parliamentary proceedings.
The statement follows remarks reportedly made by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, during the confirmation and approval of the Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone. According to the coalition, comments suggesting that election observers were “trying to fuel conflict in this country” and assertions that NEW is “faceless” and lacks credibility were viewed as direct attempts to discredit the organisation and its more than 400 member institutions.
In the statement released in Freetown, the coalition described the remarks as disappointing and potentially harmful to Sierra Leone’s democratic progress. The group categorically rejected claims questioning NEW’s governance structures, accountability mechanisms, and credibility.
The coalition emphasised that NEW has played a pivotal role in safeguarding democracy since 2002 through voter education, Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT), and independent monitoring of electoral processes. It noted that the organisation’s nationwide presence and broad-based membership have contributed significantly to peaceful elections over the past two decades.
Civil society groups stressed that both domestic and international election observers are critical partners in electoral management, not adversaries. They warned that portraying observers as hostile actors risks undermining constructive collaboration between election management bodies and civil society organisations.
The coalition further pointed out that Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh had previously participated in NEW engagements and interacted with its membership across the country, describing the recent remarks as inconsistent with that history of cooperation.
Reaffirming NEW’s standing, the coalition highlighted that the organisation chairs the West Africa Election Observer Network and the Africa Election Observers Network, and is a member of the Global Network of Domestic Election Monitors.
According to the statement, NEW has also led and participated in several international election observation missions across Africa, reinforcing its reputation as Sierra Leone’s foremost coalition of independent domestic election observers.
The coalition urged Members of Parliament and other national stakeholders to recognise and appreciate the invaluable contributions of election observers in safeguarding the democratic process.
Describing election observers as human rights defenders, the group called on the state to ensure their protection, particularly as the country prepares for the 2028 general elections.
The statement was endorsed by a wide range of respected organisations, including the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN), Budget Advocacy Network (BAN), Campaign for Good Governance (CGG), Centre for Democracy and Human Rights (CDHR), Inter Religious Council Sierra Leone (IRCSL), Sierra Leone Teachers Union (SLTU), Transparency International Sierra Leone (TISL), and Christian Aid Sierra Leone, among others.
The coalition concluded by reaffirming its commitment to working collaboratively with election management bodies, in full compliance with the law, to ensure integrity, transparency, and sustained public trust in Sierra Leone’s democratic processes.
Source: https://www.facebook.com/share/187qAe8v3S/
