IGR Launches ‘Sense Bod’ App

On Tuesday, May 30th, 2023, the Institute for Governance Reform (IGR) unveiled a new social media application called “Sense Bod App” at the Tunde Cole Building, Fourah Bay College in Freetown.

The app aims to provide up-to-date information on elections and political parties’ manifestos, with a focus on engaging young people and promoting ethical leadership across the country, regardless of tribal or regional affiliations.

According to Andrew Lavalie, the Executive Director of the Institute for Governance Reform, the app was developed to make elections more meaningful in the lives of young people and to hold political parties accountable for their promises.

He highlighted key areas such as youth employment, critical legislation enactment, and women’s empowerment as the focus of the app. Lavalie urged young people to work together to change the narratives of Sierra Leone and improve the minimum wage for its citizens.

Lavalie revealed that out of the 536 promises assessed in the Biometer, 40 were not accessed at all, but the app provides access to 496 promises made by the Bio-led administration. This demonstrates the app’s comprehensive coverage of political commitments.

Alieu Gilbert Fullah, the Data Manager of the Institute for Governance Reform, explained that the app was developed based on a survey highlighting the lack of knowledge among Sierra Leoneans regarding the upcoming multi-tier elections and the changes in electoral systems.

He emphasized that the app presents a significant opportunity for Sierra Leoneans to access information about elections, electoral systems, political party manifestos, and citizen manifestoes. Fullah mentioned that the app would be available on the Google Play Store for Android users and the App Store for iPhone users.

He also noted that offline access to information would be provided to overcome internet challenges, and there are plans for continuous improvement.

Fullah assured Sierra Leoneans that the app is secure and difficult to hack. He mentioned that most of the information available in the app is sourced from the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone and other reputable institutions responsible for elections in the country.

Additionally, the app provides details on important election topics such as voting procedures, the number of polling stations, and district names. It explains the Proportional Representative electoral system, which will be applicable in the upcoming June 24 General Elections, primarily for parliamentary and councillorship contests.

Overall, the “Sense Bod App” is a valuable tool that empowers Sierra Leoneans with comprehensive election-related information, promotes accountability among political parties, and aims to enhance the democratic process in the country.