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Six foreign experts specializing in the field of electoral management, laws, and processes have been engaged by Sierra Leone’s Tripartite Committee to review the country’s electoral systems.
The experts will soon arrive in Sierra Leone, according to Dr. Richard Conteh, the representative of the All People’s Congress (APC) in the Tripartite Committee.
Conteh made this known during a recent engagement with stakeholders at the Western Area Rural District Council (WARD-C) hall. He also mentioned that the committee has no intention of extending its mandate beyond the agreed-upon six-month period, which concludes on June 19th, 2024.
Conteh expressed gratitude for the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone’s (ECSL) commitment to comply with the Committee’s requests, emphasizing the importance of promoting democratic principles, transparency, and accountability within the country.
Regarding electoral reforms, Justice Kamanda and Lawyer Boniface Sidikie Kamara, representing the SLPP and APC respectively, highlighted the Committee’s review of Section 32 subsection 3 of the 1991 Constitution, which deals with the appointment of ECSL Commissioners. They emphasized the need for clear explanations to prevent past issues from recurring and welcomed stakeholders’ contributions to defining consultation processes.
Furthermore, the Committee pledged to address concerns related to Section 38 subsection 1 of the 1991 Constitution, focusing on the District Block System of election. They stressed the importance of ensuring clarity and understanding among all stakeholders.
In addition to constitutional provisions, the Committee will examine various laws, including Section 98 of the 1991 Constitution and sections of the Public Elections Act 2022, to ensure alignment with modern democratic principles and international standards.
Ambassador Alimamy Petito Koroma and Honourable Hellen Kuyembeh discussed institutional reforms, emphasizing the review of Acts such as the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) and the National Civil Registration Authority Acts to address raised concerns.
In an interview, Lawyer Boniface highlighted the extensive work ahead, particularly in reviewing elections dating back to 2007. He assured that significant progress has been made in legal reform to uphold respect for, adherence to, or prevention of abuse of laws governing elections.
Regarding gender representation in the District Block System, Lawyer Boniface expressed concerns about the manner in which it was introduced, indicating a need for further examination and possible adjustments to ensure equitable representation for women in councils and parliament.
I hope whatever recommendations are made by this tripartite committee, for future elections in this country, will go through the parliament for ratification. We do not want any government of the day to change things in the future to suit their own interests.
My personal view as a sierra leonean I want stakeholder to insert this my statement in the sierra leone constitution “Any given party that is fortune to take office must include a mende ,temne limba krio etc in all offices I mean all offices for the sake of transparency and detribalisin this country and don’t forget there should be a neutral body composing all parties for a merital appointment to be made for us to put salone on track again please. LET US MOVE THE COUNTRY, MOT OUR PERSONALITY,LET PROJECT SALONE NOT OUR PARTIES LETOVE TO THE NEW
AGE I THANK YOUAY IT COME TO PASS ONE DAY AMIN
Correct brother
I hope parliamentary body will look at the interest of the masses not theirs
Good news for our country
I would want to suggest that 1, A committee should be made for the appointment of the Electoral Commissioner..2, At Least, three members of all the Registered Political parties in the Country should take part in the appointment of the Eletoral Commissioner.3, That the Electoral Commissioner should should be somebody versed with the Constitution of the Country. and 4, The President only announces the person appointed by by the Committee members.
Good update ✊
Sierra Leoneans are demanding proper counting of the 2023 election results in the country ✊🌹
Big respect to the Tripartite Committee for such a timely intervention.
We are suffering in this country.
Either BIO leave or we go into election again.
We need a good leader in our belovely country.
Even they summarise all your suggestions and make them a law, if the attitudes of Sierra Leoneans do not change in seeking the welfare of it’s citizens, this country will not change. Sierra Leonean don’t fear God we all have interest in developing ourselves not the country. My example is go back and read all the manufestles of all the political party aspirants. And compare when they were in power and up to date.