1 Comment 
Albert Massaquoi, Director of External Relations at the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), has affirmed the commission’s commitment to scaling up operations to facilitate diaspora voting in upcoming national elections.
Speaking on the matter, Massaquoi pointed to ECSL’s successful expansion from four to five electoral regions as proof that the commission has the capacity to extend voting access beyond the country’s borders.
He revealed that diaspora voting has been part of ECSL’s long-term plans since the 2007 elections, but constitutional constraints have so far prevented implementation.
The commission is now awaiting the Attorney General’s presentation of the electoral reform document to Parliament, expected before the end of October, which is crucial for enabling diaspora participation.
Massaquoi expressed confidence in ECSL’s ability to carry out diaspora voting effectively but noted that any delay should not be considered a major setback.
It’s a welcome news that Sierra Leoneans worldwide can participate in electing our leaders this time around, but the most essential aspect of the electioneering is the freeness and fairness of the whole process. The conduct of the 2023 elections leaves excessively much to be desired and if that aspect is not copiously addressed, then I’m afraid the offshoot of our nations destability could not be ruled out.