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Public confidence in Sierra Leone’s state institutions has reached a deeply concerning level, according to a recent online opinion poll conducted by the Campaign for Human Rights and Development International (Campaign for Human Rights and Development International).
The survey asked citizens a straightforward question: “Which of the following public institutions in Sierra Leone do you trust the most to act in the best interest of citizens?” The results point to what the organization describes as a “systemic crisis” in public trust.
The most alarming finding is that 50% of respondents said they do not trust any of the listed public institutions, signaling widespread skepticism toward governance structures and accountability systems in the country.
The remaining responses were distributed among key national institutions, but none recorded overwhelming public confidence:
National Electoral Commission (ECSL) — 19%
Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) — 10%
The Judiciary — 6%
Traditional Authorities (Paramount Chiefs) — 6%
Sierra Leone Police (SLP) — 3%
Parliament — 2%
Local City/District Councils — 2%
Don’t Know/No Opinion — 2%
According to CHRDI, the findings are not just statistical data but a reflection of a deeper governance challenge affecting the relationship between citizens and the state.
The organization warned that when public trust erodes to such a level, it undermines the legitimacy of governance systems, weakens the rule of law, and poses risks to public safety and national cohesion.
“This isn’t just a statistic. It signals a systemic crisis in the relationship between the state and the public,” the report emphasized, noting that rebuilding trust is essential for national progress.
The rights group is calling for immediate and transparent reforms aimed at restoring accountability and rebuilding confidence in public institutions.
It stressed that without trust between citizens and government institutions, meaningful development and effective governance remain difficult to achieve.
“We cannot move forward without trust,” the statement concluded, urging state institutions to take swift steps toward openness, accountability, and improved public engagement.
The findings add to growing public debate on governance performance and institutional credibility in Sierra Leone, with calls mounting for reforms across key sectors of public administration.
