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In preparation for the upcoming presidential and legislative elections in Sierra Leone on June 24th, 2023, Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, the Head of the Electoral Observation Mission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), engaged with various stakeholders on Wednesday.
Accompanied by Deputy Head of Mission Ambassador Ansumana Ceesay, ECOWAS Resident Representative to Sierra Leone Ambassador Moussa Harouna, and ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security Ambassador Dr. Abdel-Fatau Musah, Dr. Chambas held important discussions with key figures.
During a meeting with Mr. Mohamed Kenewui Konneh, Chief Commissioner of the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL), in Freetown, Dr. Chambas praised the Commission for its dedication and efforts in ensuring a credible, transparent, and inclusive electoral process. He urged the Commission to address any outstanding issues, particularly those involving the opposition All People’s Congress (APC), and emphasized the importance of involving all stakeholders for a peaceful and successful election.
Dr. Chambas also met with representatives of the Political Party Regulations Commission (PPRC) to discuss their activities, including matters related to security and political party participation.
He commended the Commission for their role in encouraging political parties to sign the Peace Pledge and for their efforts in resolving complaints raised by the APC against the Electoral Commission, thereby contributing to peaceful elections.
The Head of Mission and his delegation visited the National Centre for Early Warning and Response Mechanisms (NEWRM), where they received a briefing from the Centre’s Director, Mrs. Francess Nyuma.
Dr. Chambas encouraged the Centre to continue sharing vital information and mobilizing all parties involved to ensure the consolidation of peace in the country during and after the elections.
Dr. Chambas, a former President of the ECOWAS Commission and Special Representative of the UN Secretary General to West Africa and the Sahel, assured stakeholders of ECOWAS’ support and commitment to assisting Sierra Leone in its democratic journey.
Additionally, Dr. Chambas held meetings with other election observation mission leaders, including Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, former Vice President of Nigeria and Head of the Commonwealth Observation Mission; Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Head of the African Union’s Observation Mission; and Mr. Babatunde A. Ahonsi, the Resident Coordinator of the UN System in Sierra Leone, to exchange insights and coordinate efforts.
