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“In the 2018 elections, we make use of 20,800 security personnel to police the 2018 Presidential, Parliamentary and Local elections. Because the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) has increased the number of polling centers by 10%, we will be using between 24,000 to 25,000 security personnel on June 24th, 2023 elections. Security personnel will be deployed at every polling center,” Francis Languba Kellie of the Office of National Security (ONS) made this statement.
He said the strength of the police is not enough to handle the situation and therefore needs sister forces including the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF), Chiefdom Police, National Fire Force (NFF), and Prison officers.
He pointed out that there is every need to conduct a gap analysis of the stock requirement and manpower strength to know the strength on the ground.
He said they are bringing all players together to discuss and take stock of everything to ensure that they are on top of the situation.
“During our engagement with all stakeholders at each region, we will be deliberating the manpower strength, and logistical requirements and identifying the gap analysis.
We will then develop the report for a better footing for the 2023 elections,” Kellie said.
The ONS official disclosed that issues related to intimidation, political tolerance, the use of secret society to intimidate voters, drug abuse, and the use of marshals by political parties are some of the threats identified during the engagements. He said ONS has developed a communication strategy and training manual for all security sector players.
