EU EOM Calls on ECSL to Promptly Publish Disaggregated Results Data at Polling Station Level

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Sierra Leone has called on the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) to promptly release disaggregated results data at the polling station level.

The mission emphasizes that this move is crucial to ensure transparency and public scrutiny of the ongoing electoral process, particularly the tabulation of results for parliamentary and local council elections.

In its Preliminary Statement released on 26 June, the EU EOM expressed concerns about the lack of transparency during the reception of sensitive materials and the early stages of tabulation in regional tally centers. The mission’s observers were unable to effectively witness the verification of result forms for the presidential election. Moreover, important information regarding the number and nature of corrections and cancellations of polling station results was not shared with party agents and citizen observers. The absence of disaggregated results data at the polling station level has compromised the transparency of the results management process.

Statistical inconsistencies have also been identified between the first and second batch of presidential results published by the ECSL on 26 and 27 June, respectively. Notable discrepancies were observed in the average number of valid votes per polling station, with a decrease of 75% in Karene and an increase of 31% in Kono. Furthermore, the results revealed an unusually low percentage of invalid ballots nationwide at 0.4%, as well as exceptionally high voter turnout exceeding 95% in at least three districts and surpassing 90% in two other districts. Independent citizen observers have also noted similar statistical irregularities.

To alleviate tensions and address these concerns, the EU EOM has urged the ECSL to promptly publish disaggregated results data at the polling station level, including copies of result forms. This would allow for public scrutiny of the results and ensure transparency and accuracy in the electoral process.

The EU EOM has encouraged all stakeholders to resolve their grievances arising from the electoral process peacefully through dialogue and by utilizing the prescribed legal mechanisms. Since its arrival on 11 May, the mission has been closely monitoring the tabulation of results and post-election developments. In the coming months, the EU EOM will present its final report, including recommendations for enhancing the electoral framework in Sierra Leone.

The full statement of the European Union EOM reads below:

The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) to Sierra Leone continues to observe the ongoing electoral process, including the ongoing tabulation of results for parliamentary and local council elections.

On 26 June the EU EOM released a Preliminary Statement, noting that reception of sensitive materials and early stages of tabulation in regional tally centres “were assessed by EU EOM observers as lacking transparency.” The EU EOM observers could not meaningfully observe verification of the result forms for the presidential election. Furthermore, the number and type of corrections and cancellations of polling station results was neither released nor shared with party agents and citizen observers. The lack of publication of disaggregated results data at the polling station level has compromised the transparency of the results management process.

The EU EOM notes there are statistical inconsistencies between the first and second batch of presidential results published by the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) on 26 and 27 June, respectively. These include notable discrepancies in the number of average valid votes per polling station, ranging from a decrease of 75 per cent in Karene to an increase of 31 per cent in Kono. The results also show a particularly low number of invalid ballots of 0.4 per cent nationwide, as well as very high turnout in at least three districts exceeding 95 per cent, and in a further two districts exceeding 90 per cent. Statistical inconsistencies have also been noted by credible and impartial citizen observers.

To defuse tensions, the EU EOM calls on the ECSL to promptly publish disaggregated results data per polling station, including a copy of results forms, which would provide for a possibility of public scrutiny of results and ensure transparency and certainty.

The EU EOM encourages all stakeholders to address their grievances arising from the electoral process peacefully, through dialogue and by using the prescribed legal mechanisms. The mission has been present in Sierra Leone since 11 May and will continue to observe tabulation of results and post-election developments. The EU EOM will present and publish its final report, including recommendations for improving the electoral framework in the next few months.

Comment(s)

Disclaimer: Comments expressed here do not reflect the opinions of Sierraloaded or any employee thereof.

| 2023-06-30 05:40:26

S L P P thought Sierra Leone presidency is a family property, their president don't respect rule of law, he is arrogant, man slaughter president, tribalistic etc
Mustapha Senesie | 2023-06-29 16:26:16

But wait a minute, ECOWAS Commission has sent a congratulating message to President Bio. What is there to say again?
| 2023-06-29 09:51:24

You nor get sense
Amara Benjamin | 2023-06-29 09:44:28

Are they ordering or giving their opinions? because of the way you sounded it made it seem like we are in the colonial era. If there are any discrepancies they should be settled in the Supreme Court, some of us have felt the post-war effect and went to schools in dilapidated conditions and could not go to the playground because of fear of bullets. Let them ask Ukraine about the cost of war because many of them haven't witnessed civil war they see it on TV while they go to bed in sound sleep. We are enjoying our peace and so we crave their indulgence to preach peace.
| 2023-06-29 09:37:57

The E U have all the right to do there job well and I want to say may God bless this people for job well done
| 2023-06-29 09:31:34

They are matrix of theif # maada bio & konneh# they thought that this country is theirs forefathers inheritance.
Mohamed Kamara | 2023-06-29 09:15:27

When the act of rigging election was publicly done, it deserves no hidden investigation. Unconstitutionally, the final decision of all matters in the Supreme Court is fully controlled by the rigged declared winner. A clear conscience fears no accusations. So let’s allow the EU EOM and NEW to go ahead with their timely findings.
Barba | 2023-06-29 09:13:53

Don't blame the EU to think they have the right to order us to do what they say if it were not for the low mindedness of the current APC who has made it their mantra to always call on the EU for the slightest sneeze. Until we as sierra leoneans become patriots of our country, we will be inviting unwanted guests to our homes. ECSL has made its decision just like in 2007, 2012 and 2018. EU and other OBSERVERS can observe but not dictate. They thrieve on negative press and not on any good deeds of African nations. As a nation we should learn to disagree and agree but let's keep the peace. Too many intermarriage have taken place for us to be tolerant of each other. The youths; mainly the illiterates and uneducated, are a burden in sierra leone. The government needs to carve a place for them to become better citizens.
| 2023-06-29 09:10:37

Totally agree with Eu if the result of Ecsl are factual according to them then they should not be afraid of scrutiny.If you got nothing to hide why are you scared
Idrissa Armani Kamara | 2023-06-29 08:43:49

Fuck to EU EOM
Francis Sesay Ph. D | 2023-06-29 08:41:15

Electoral fraud undermines the democratic process and erodes the trust and legitimacy of election results. In Sierra Leone's June 24 elections, if there is evidence of electoral fraud, the results should never be accepted and legitimised for the following reasons: 1. Violation of democratic principles: Electoral fraud goes against the fundamental principles of democracy, which prioritize fair and free elections. It undermines the ability of citizens to choose their leaders, thereby denying them their right to participate in the democratic process. 2. Suppression of citizen voices: Accepting and legitimising fraudulent election results suppresses the voices of the people. It disregards the will of the voters who exercised their right to vote and undermines the principle of equal representation in a democratic society. 3. Decreased public trust: Electoral fraud erodes public trust in the electoral system and the government. When citizens believe that their votes do not count and that the electoral process is riddled with fraud, it leads to cynicism, apathy, and a decreased willingness to participate in future elections. 4. Inequality and injustice: Electoral fraud perpetuates an unequal and unjust society. It allows those in power to maintain their positions by manipulating the electoral process, thereby denying the opportunity for genuine representation and effective governance. 5. Social instability and conflict: If election results tainted by fraud are accepted and legitimised, it can lead to social instability and conflict. Citizens who feel they have been cheated out of their democratic rights may resort to protests, demonstrations, or even violence, as they seek to address their grievances and restore justice. 6. Diminished international reputation: Accepting fraudulent election results can harm Sierra Leone's international reputation. It may lead to decreased foreign investment, loss of international aid, and strained diplomatic relations if the international community perceives the country as undemocratic and lacking in transparency. 7. Disincentive for future improvements: If fraudulent election results are accepted, it sends a message that electoral fraud is tolerable. This can discourage efforts to improve electoral processes, ensure transparency, and promote democracy in Sierra Leone. It is crucial to investigate and expose any allegations of electoral fraud to safeguard the integrity of the democratic system and to protect the rights and voices of the citizens.
Francis I. Sesay Ph. D. | 2023-06-29 08:38:20

Electoral fraud undermines the democratic process and erodes the trust and legitimacy of election results. In Sierra Leone's June 24 elections, If there is evidence of electoral fraud and shrouded secrecy of the process, the results should never be accepted and legitimised for the following reasons: 1. Violation of democratic principles: Electoral fraud goes against the fundamental principles of democracy, which prioritize fair and free elections. It undermines the ability of citizens to choose their leaders, thereby denying them their right to participate in the democratic process. 2. Suppression of citizen voices: Accepting and legitimising fraudulent election results suppresses the voices of the people. It disregards the will of the voters who exercised their right to vote and undermines the principle of equal representation in a democratic society. 3. Decreased public trust: Electoral fraud erodes public trust in the electoral system and the government. When citizens believe that their votes do not count and that the electoral process is riddled with fraud, it leads to cynicism, apathy, and a decreased willingness to participate in future elections. 4. Inequality and injustice: Electoral fraud perpetuates an unequal and unjust society. It allows those in power to maintain their positions by manipulating the electoral process, thereby denying the opportunity for genuine representation and effective governance. 5. Social instability and conflict: If election results tainted by fraud are accepted and legitimised, it can lead to social instability and conflict. Citizens who feel they have been cheated out of their democratic rights may resort to protests, demonstrations, or even violence, as they seek to address their grievances and restore justice. 6. Diminished international reputation: Accepting fraudulent election results can harm Sierra Leone's international reputation. It may lead to decreased foreign investment, loss of international aid, and strained diplomatic relations if the international community perceives the country as undemocratic and lacking in transparency. 7. Disincentive for future improvements: If fraudulent election results are accepted, it sends a message that electoral fraud is tolerable. This can discourage efforts to improve electoral processes, ensure transparency, and promote democracy in Sierra Leone. It is crucial to investigate and expose any allegations of electoral fraud to safeguard the integrity of the democratic system and to protect the rights and voices of the citizens.
Isata Jayah | 2023-06-29 08:30:04

Where are they(EU) when erogan's results where questioned by the CHP.
John | 2023-06-29 08:11:56

Sierra Leone is not a poet country to give orders to Sierra Leone over what to do about their internal issues.
Dr Michael N.Wundah | 2023-06-29 01:25:19

The people of Sierra Leone have spoken loud and clear through the ballot box, the candidate of choice to lead them for next five years. In any liberal decency, such decision is sacred and void of unfounded allegations and suspicions. It is arguably the case that geopolitical differences not withstanding, election processes are often characterized by varying challenges. However, in the spirit of national cohesiveness, especially for Sierra Leone, with a recent infamous political history (ghastly civil war), suspected challenges should not be trumpeted and perceived unduly as justification for heightening tensions. Such event could generate an atmosphere of uncontrollable chaos. The Supreme Election Authority of Sierra Leone has certified the results as legitimate and declared the winner, in the person of Julius Maada Bio as the duly elected President of Sierra Leone. Therefore, any alleged discrepancy should be duly prosecuted in Sierra Leone's Supreme Court, as rightly stated by the National Returning Officer, and Chairman of ECSL, Mr Mohammed Konneh on the day of the declaration. It has to be said that, liberal democracy works only when the powers, authority of the courts of the land are put to the test.