Sierra Leone’s Chief Justice, Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards, has held a meeting with the Commonwealth Elections Observer Mission to discuss the transformation of the Judiciary in the country.

Chief Justice Edwards emphasized that the Judiciary has transitioned from a conservative institution to one that is transparent, accountable, and efficient under his administration.

In his address, Chief Justice Edwards acknowledged that prior to his assumption of office in 2018, the Judiciary in Sierra Leone was known for its conservatism, similar to other jurisdictions in the sub-region. However, significant changes have been implemented to ensure justice is delivered transparently and efficiently.

One notable change is the opening of court proceedings to public scrutiny, allowing for live broadcasting. Moreover, a dedicated Communications Unit has been established to enhance public understanding of the judicial processes and proceedings. These measures aim to increase transparency and promote public confidence in the Judiciary.

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Chief Justice Edwards also highlighted the Judiciary’s commitment to addressing electoral offenses and petitions. With support from partners such as the European Union and the United Nations Development Program, the Judiciary has compiled a Compendium of laws for easy reference by judges.

Training programs have been conducted to equip judges and registrars with the necessary skills to handle electoral cases promptly. The Communications Unit is also launching strategic messages to educate the public about accessing Electoral Courts, electoral offenses, and civil remedies.

To ensure a smooth electoral process, 26 judges have been temporarily assigned to the Elections Offenses and Petitions Court as mandated by law. This step aims to expedite the handling of electoral cases and ensure fairness in the electoral system.

The meeting between Chief Justice Edwards and the observer mission is part of their engagement with key stakeholders involved in electoral management.

The observer mission, chaired by former Vice President of Nigeria H.E. Yemi Osinbajo, consists of 12 members. Lady Anande Trotman-Joseph, President of Caribbean Women in Leadership and Chairperson of the Commonwealth Caribbean Association of Integrity Commissions and Anti-Corruption Bodies, Grenada, emphasized the importance of engaging with stakeholders. Hon. Justice Amraphael Mbogholi Msagha, a retired Kenyan judge, commended Chief Justice Edwards and his administration for prioritizing public education, outreach, and engagement.

The meeting also witnessed the presence of notable attendees, including Justice Rohini Marasinghe, Chairperson of The Human Rights Commission and former Supreme Court Judge of Sri Lanka, and Madonna Lynch, Senior Administrative Officer. The observer mission comprises members from various countries such as The Gambia, India, Malawi, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Trinidad & Tobago, and Uganda.

Overall, the transformation of Sierra Leone’s Judiciary under Chief Justice Desmond Babatunde Edwards has brought about greater transparency, accountability, and efficiency in delivering justice.

The initiatives taken by the Judiciary, along with collaboration from international partners and engagement with stakeholders, aim to enhance public confidence in the electoral process and the overall judicial system of Sierra Leone.