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The National Election Watch (NEW) on Friday 15th November 2024 presented the “Civil Society Position Paper for the Implementation of the Tripartite Committee (TC) Recommendations on Genuine Electoral Reforms, Peace and National Cohesion in Sierra Leone”, to the Chief Minister at State House in Freetown.
The Position Paper was an outcome of the 2-day CSO National Conference held at Shangri-la at Aberdeen Beach Road on the 1st and 2nd October 2024. The Conference drew participants from across the CSO community in Sierra Leone, including NEW structures at regional and district levels, trade unions, women’s and youth groups, academia and faith-based organisations, as well as state institutions such as the Office of National Security, Political Parties Regulatory Commission and the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces.
Presenting the Position Paper to the Chief Minister, the Chairperson of NEW, Madam Marcella Macauley appreciated the zest and commitment of the Chief Minister towards moving forward the electoral reform processes. She outlined the 12 strategic resolutions of the Position Paper, which included the following;
- Commitment to Electoral Reforms
- Increased collaboration among civil society and with other stakeholders for genuine electoral reforms
- Categorizing the Tripartite Report Recommendations
- Parliamentary Ratification of the Tripartite Report Recommendations
- Commence Dialogue on the Type of Electoral System the country will use in future elections.
- Prioritizing Policy and Legal Reforms to ensure they are implemented well ahead of the 2028 elections
- Strengthening electoral transparency and accountability
- Inclusion in the electoral reform processes
- Intensified sensitization, awareness raising, and civic education on the electoral reform agenda
- Social reforms and cohesion
- Post-election security report
- Civil society, and internal governance & transparency
Responding to the presentation, the Chief Minister, David Moinina Sengeh – PhD appreciated NEW for the effort put into the reform process and acknowledged the diversity of the NEW coalition across the country. He assured NEW that he, as well as the President, is committed to the implementation of the TC recommendations, and to achieve this, collaboration is a critical component.
Commenting on Resolution 8, he said “inclusion needs accountability…” he continued “I would like to work with NEW and any other CSO to empower credible voices to participate” in the process of carrying out the electoral reforms.
He further committed to supporting the NEW Resolutions and working towards implementing them.
The meeting was climaxed with a vote of thanks moved by the National Coordinator of NEW, Rev James Lahai Key action points aimed at moving the reform process forward were discussed and agreed on.
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