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Charles Keif Kobai has been elected Chairperson of the National Elections Watch (NEW), bringing more than three decades of experience in civic activism, governance, and election observation in Sierra Leone.
Kobai’s public life began in 1994 when he emerged as a youth activist and later a student leader during one of Sierra Leone’s most turbulent periods. His early engagement in civic and peacebuilding efforts helped shape his long-standing belief that sustainable peace and democracy depend on active citizen participation and accountable institutions.
He participated in the 1999 National Union of Sierra Leone Students (NUSS) peace lobby to Europe and later served as a UN-trained Peace Animator under the Commission for the Consolidation of Peace (CCP) between 2001 and 2002. These experiences, particularly his work in conflict-affected communities, contributed to his focus on dialogue, civic engagement, and peace advocacy.
Over the years, Kobai has worked across several civil society and governance-focused organisations, including National Elections Watch (NEW), FORWARD Sierra Leone, Transparency International Sierra Leone, and the Society for Democratic Initiatives (SDI). In these roles, he has focused on electoral integrity, public accountability, and access to information.
His work in election observation has included data collection, voter education, and monitoring electoral processes to promote transparency and credibility. He has also been involved in advocacy for greater openness in public financial management and governance reforms.
Kobai holds academic and professional qualifications in mechanical engineering, information systems, and entrepreneurship, as well as an MBA. His technical background, combined with his civic experience, has informed his emphasis on data-driven approaches to governance and election monitoring.
He has also been actively engaged in constitutional review processes, Freedom of Information advocacy, and national discussions on youth empowerment, economic inclusion, and women’s participation in governance. Kobai has consistently argued that access to information is essential for strengthening accountability and improving service delivery.
As Sierra Leone prepares for the 2028 general elections, stakeholders say Kobai’s leadership at NEW is expected to focus on strengthening observation systems, improving polling station data collection, and expanding grassroots civic engagement.
His appointment comes at a time when civic organisations continue to play a key role in promoting transparency, electoral integrity, and citizen participation in democratic processes.
