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.