The Sierra Leone Electoral Commission (ECSL) inaugurated the 2024 ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC) Regional Symposium and General Assembly today at Freetown’s Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel.

Under the theme, “The Role of Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) in Promoting Information Integrity, as a Vital Component in Safeguarding Electoral Processes,” the two-day event gathers key stakeholders from across West Africa to address growing challenges in electoral information integrity.

Opening the event, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, urged participants to engage meaningfully in discussions that will strengthen democratic processes and prevent electoral misinformation in the region. Bah emphasized the importance of shared responsibility in ensuring free, fair, and credible elections, while also highlighting Sierra Leone’s cultural and touristic richness to international guests.

Mohammed Konneh, ECSL Chairman and ECONEC President, identified misinformation as a mounting challenge that fuels public skepticism and undermines democratic engagement. “The digital age has expanded our role as EMBs, from managing elections to protecting the integrity of the information landscape that shapes public trust,” he stated, highlighting the need for robust strategies to counter disinformation online.

Konneh stressed that proactive monitoring, partnerships with tech platforms, and targeted communication were essential to prevent false narratives from destabilizing election credibility.

Delivering the keynote address, Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation Director-General Josephine Fatima Kamara reiterated that EMBs must become “defenders of truth and trust” in democratic processes.

Kamara challenged attendees to confront misinformation directly, describing it as a threat to both national security and public trust. She underscored the power of real-time fact-checking, partnerships with digital platforms, and clear communication strategies to uphold electoral transparency.

Representatives from ECOWAS and international electoral bodies, including Ambassador Harouna Moussa, ECOWAS Resident Representative, and Cyrus Sheriff, representing Chief Minister Dr. David Sengeh, echoed the call for regional cooperation. They emphasized the role of shared standards and learning as crucial to defending democracy amid the complex digital media landscape.

The session concluded with group photos and camaraderie, with participants expressing commitment to fortifying democratic processes and information integrity across West Africa.