President Julius Maada Bio has extended the timeline for the Independent Cross-Party Committee on Electoral Systems and Management Bodies Review to present their report.

The extension was announced during a formal ceremony where a joint statement was handed over by the Government of Sierra Leone and the All Peoples Congress (APC).

President Bio expressed profound appreciation for the committee members, international partners, and moral guarantors involved in this critical process. He highlighted the importance of this collaborative effort, noting that Sierra Leone was maturing alongside its democratic processes. “Democracy is a process that evolves over time,” he remarked, emphasizing that each generation of leaders contributes to this evolution. He lauded the intentional efforts of the current government and the Tripartite Committee members in advancing Sierra Leone’s democratic journey.

Acknowledging the pivotal roles played by the two main political parties, development partners, and the Ambassadors of the United States, United Kingdom, and the European Union, President Bio commended their dedication to ensuring the process adhered to its terms of reference. “This is not the final day; there is still work to be done,” he stated, urging the committee members to return with a comprehensive, mission-accomplished report.

The President also reflected on the contentious nature of some issues addressed by the committee, expressing optimism that with time, these would be resolved. He reiterated his commitment to reforming the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL), a source of dissatisfaction for both the SLPP and APC. “My legacy will be to reform the ECSL, addressing challenges from all parties’ perspectives to prevent future electoral disputes,” he asserted.

Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara, representing the APC, acknowledged President Bio’s leadership in steering cross-party initiatives aimed at correcting and enhancing electoral systems. He hailed the engagement as historic, marking the first time Sierra Leone’s leading political parties have collaborated closely on such a critical issue. Dr. Kamara praised the initiative for prioritizing national unity over individual interests, emphasizing its role in fostering a robust democracy.

He echoed President Bio’s sentiments on the necessity of rectifying electoral flaws to build a genuine democracy. Significant progress has been made, he noted, towards establishing a new era of hope and political stability, which is essential for economic development. Dr. Kamara reaffirmed the APC’s commitment to the initiative, viewing it as crucial for preserving Sierra Leone’s unity and progress. “We are one family, irrespective of our origins,” he declared.

Supporting the initiative, ECOWAS-AU-UNOWAS Mission lead and former Vice President of The Gambia, Her Excellency Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang, applauded Sierra Leone’s democratic milestone. She stressed the importance of dialogue and urged all parties to transcend political, regional, and tribal differences for the nation’s development.