Mohamed K. Konneh, Chairman of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) has reaffirmed that the 2023 elections were conducted in a manner that was free, fair, and credible.

Awoko reports that His remarks came during a collaborative engagement between the ECSL and International IDEA, focusing on gathering inclusive feedback and recommendations from youth, gender, and disability stakeholders in the Western Area region following the polls.

Konneh emphasized the ECSL’s commitment to enhancing women’s participation in governance and underscored the importance of prioritizing both abled and disabled individuals in electoral processes. “This will be integral to our upcoming Electoral plan,” he stated, advocating against any form of discrimination based on one’s ability to serve.

Highlighting efforts towards inclusivity, Konneh announced plans to install an elevator at the ECSL headquarters to facilitate access for persons with disabilities, acknowledging the challenges they face in reaching the office.

The ECSL’s nationwide engagement with stakeholders, supported by International IDEA—an inter-governmental agency promoting democracy and electoral systems—aims to bolster representation, participation rights, and adherence to the rule of law in Sierra Leone.

Zainab Umu Moseray, ECSL Commissioner for the Western Area region, who chaired the event, emphasized the importance of the Commission’s outreach to youth, gender, and disability stakeholders. “Your voices matter. We value every ballot,” Moseray assured participants, urging them to freely contribute feedback and recommendations. She reiterated the Commission’s high regard for stakeholders, underscoring their role in shaping electoral processes.

Dr. Idriss Mamoud Tarawally, Country Head of International IDEA, commended the engagement as pivotal and encouraged youth and persons with disabilities to voice their concerns to the ECSL. He announced International IDEA’s commitment to providing grants to various community groups nationwide to support activities aligned with the Electoral Commission’s mandate.

This event follows a recent two-day stakeholder engagement aimed at strengthening Sierra Leone’s electoral systems and processes in preparation for the next electoral plan. The ECSL remains focused on ensuring transparent and inclusive elections, reflecting its dedication to democratic principles and governance in Sierra Leone.