In the aftermath of Sierra Leone’s 2023 elections, Damon M. Wilson, President & CEO of The National Endowment for Democracy (NEDemocracy), stresses the importance of free, fair, and credible elections for upholding the will of the people.
He underscores the significance of transparency in electoral data, which plays a pivotal role in ensuring voter confidence in the outcome.
“The will of the people is best served when an election is free, fair and credible; transparency in data plays a key role. Releasing disaggregated data on the vote count will demonstrate goodwill to voters and is key to ensure confidence in the outcome,” Wilson stated on X.
In support of the Process and Results Verification for Transparency (PRVT) methodology used in Sierra Leone, the NDI issued a statement on July 7, 2023.
The NDI expressed confidence in the PRVT’s accurate election results, which have been repeatedly employed worldwide, including across Africa since the 1980s.
The NDI has collaborated with various Sierra Leonean organizations and civil society over two decades to strengthen democratic institutions and promote inclusive, transparent, and accountable elections.
The PRVT methodology, utilized by the National Elections Watch (NEW), offered systematic information on voting and counting while independently assessing the accuracy of official results announced by the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL).
“The NDI regrets the harassment and personal attacks faced by election observers, emphasizing that they are human rights defenders entitled to protection,” they stated.
Drawing from global experience and best practices in open election data principles, the NDI aligns with recommendations from various entities, including the European Union Election Observation Mission and the Carter Center.
It called on the ECSL to release polling station level results publicly, as this transparency enhances accountability and fosters public confidence in the declared outcome.
They further urged all political parties to refrain from actions that could polarize Sierra Leonean society and to safeguard the country’s peace and democracy.
Madness has started running over this CEO! Have you ever question the electoral body in your country to publish results as such??
You guys are in our country to create unrest! We will be putting your organization on proper monitoring.
Is this named man called CEO NEDemocracy still alive or dead? Can someone pray for him to wake up from his Slumber of free, fair, and transparently unvaluable and uninterested comment given about our Mama Salone Election? Please focus on your personal issues from now onwards because what your bargain for with APC is non and void. Good night
CEO highlighted their observations and recommendations for the good of Sierra Leone 🇸🇱
Thank you CEO for the great work may God continue to bless please help SierraLeonean we are die in slowly we need justice in our country Mama Salone is on fire save Salone the CEO OF DEMOCRACY we the people don’t recognize the Government there manifestos through the 5yrs in Governance is killing we the people of SierraLeone molestation and in attack no justice no peace no freedom for we the people of SierraLeone now we need changing of Governance please CEO of Democracy and the European union and the ECOWAS REDEEMS US FROM BONAGE AND BAD GOVERNANCE WE NEED AN EXPERIENCE PRESIDENT WHO CAN MEET THE NEEDS OF THE PEOPLE