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The European Union Election Observation Mission (EOM) has taken a significant step towards ensuring the transparency and credibility of the upcoming elections in Sierra Leone.
In a press release issued during the weekend, the EU EOM announced the deployment of long-term observers across all 16 districts of the country.
These long-term observers, working in multinational teams of two, will closely monitor and analyze various aspects of the electoral process at the regional level. Their responsibilities include assessing election preparation, observing campaign activities, and monitoring the conduct of electoral stakeholders.
By providing a comprehensive analysis of the electoral processes throughout the country, the EU EOM aims to offer a balanced perspective on the proceedings.
Prior to their deployment, the EU EOM observers underwent extensive briefings on a wide range of topics. These briefings covered crucial areas such as election administration, the political environment, relevant laws, and the landscape of traditional and social media. Additionally, the observers were thoroughly briefed on logistical and operational matters, emphasizing the paramount importance of their safety and security.
In line with their commitment to transparency, the EU EOM has outlined its plans for the election observation process. A press conference will be held, and a preliminary statement will be issued two days after the elections.
Furthermore, a comprehensive final report, containing recommendations for future electoral processes, will be presented once the entire election process is completed. These measures are aimed at upholding the principles of free and transparent elections in Sierra Leone.
To bolster the credibility and fairness of the elections, additional personnel will be allocated to key areas.
As the press release stated, “Closer to election day, 40 short-term observers will join the EU EOM to observe the voting, counting, and tabulation of the results. In addition, a delegation of members from the European Parliament and approximately 10 locally-recruited short-term observers from the diplomatic missions of EU member states accredited to Sierra Leone will also join the EU EOM to observe the election day proceedings.”
The deployment of long-term and short-term observers by the EU EOM underscores the organization’s commitment to supporting democratic processes and ensuring that the will of the people is respected. With their presence, the EU EOM aims to contribute to a transparent, credible, and inclusive electoral environment in Sierra Leone.
