The Citizens’ online tracker for President Bio’s campaign promises (BioMeter 2024-2028) was officially launched on May 1st, 2024, at the Freetown City Auditorium.

Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh and the Ministers of Planning and Communications, Technology, and Innovation presided over the launch. This initiative, developed by the Institute for Governance Reform (IGR) five years ago, aims to strengthen democratic practices and policy performance in Sierra Leone.

The BioMeter serves as an online platform specifically designed to monitor the implementation of 103 key promises made by President Bio’s administration before and during the 2023 elections. This represents a significant reduction from the 533 promises tracked in the previous BioMeter iteration.

Speaking at the launch, IGR Executive Director Andrew Lavalie highlighted the report’s focus on President Bio’s 2023 election manifesto promises. He described the BioMeter as a comprehensive tracking mechanism that provides valuable insights into the government’s performance and serves as a tool to hold them accountable.

Lavalie emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in governance, stating that the BioMeter empowers citizens to objectively assess the government’s delivery on its promises. He further noted that civil society’s role extends beyond simply critiquing the government, but also includes supporting effective implementation. In this vein, the BioMeter aims to foster constructive engagement on critical issues.

Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh commended IGR for its dedication to monitoring government commitments. He acknowledged the vital role of external oversight in ensuring that promises translate into concrete actions that benefit the citizenry. Sengeh pledged the government’s cooperation, citing the positive impact of the 2018 BioMeter on promoting transparency and accountability.

Professor Fredline McCormack, IGR’s Executive Director and Head of Research and Policy, elaborated on the organization’s commitment to using research and policy analysis to inform government actions. The BioMeter, according to McCormack, plays a critical role in facilitating the transition from traditional political governance to a more economic governance model.

By gathering evidence and data on the government’s performance, the BioMeter serves as a tool for informed decision-making and accountability. It will track the status of promises – kept, partially fulfilled, or unfulfilled – providing valuable insights into areas where improvement is necessary.