The Chairman and Chief Electoral Commissioner [ECSL] Mohamed Kenewui Konneh has engaged the media in a Press Conference on Electoral Preparations , Nomination of Candidate for the Paramount Chieftaincy elections and the ongoing Voters Card distribution process.

The Press conference took place on Tuesday 11th April 2023 at the Commissions Headquarter OAU Drive, Tower Hill Freetown.

The Chairman revealed that base on their timeline they have concluded the Chieftaincy nomination. He confirmed that the conduction of the Chieftaincy election is because they have received more than one nomination for Kenema and Bombali, 6 for Falaba, 2 for koinadugu , Kambia 2, Bombali 3 and Pujehun two. Commissioner Konneh confirmed that the conduction of their election is on 20th May 2023.

Speaking on the Voters Registration Card, he confirmed that as at 10th April 2023, day 4 of the Voters distribution and collections processes, about 1,500,112 cards have been collected nationwide which account for 80% of the centers reported.

He further revealed that there is currently 2324 photoless ID cards which have been identified and 3176 misplaced registrations have been found. However, he revealed that Photos of mismatched registrants are being taken using the mobile application and attestation issued in line with procedure. He expresses commitment that misplaced registrants are also being relocated to their correct centers using the mobile tablet.

He further pointed out that the New Voter Registration cards have unique ID Numbers that are different from the old Voter ID card numbers to prevent counterfeiting of the new Voters Registration card. He confirms that ECSL Web and mobile SMS verification platform have been temporary closed, and they will be opened after the distribution of cards where voters will have the opportunity to verify their details using the new voter card numbers.

He pointed out that since the launching of the Voters ID, there has been misinformation on social medial relating to the quality of the ID cards. He confirmed that some have even alleged that the ID cards were printed in Sierra Leone and it cost the government about $5.5 million while some claim $10 million.
‘’As a commission, we operate on the principle of Transparency, and therefore we think even though they are not fact, we have to break this to the public to inform them about the fact of the voter registration card’’ he stated

He justified that the card itself is a Temporal Card and they are not going to be used  in place of a National ID card, adding that it is an inbuilt laminated card with an invisible ink that is sensitive to any fraud attempt.

He acknowledge that the issue about the quality of the photos are a serious concern to the commission and they will engage the Vendor and get back to the public.