The Centre for Accountability and Rule of Law-Sierra Leone (CARL-SL) has called for expeditious and fair trial as the Proportional Representation (PR) system case begins on Monday 9th January this year.

CARL-SL said that they welcome the announcement of the five-member panel of Supreme Court justices to hear a complaint filed by two citizens of Sierra Leone against the use of the proportional representation system in the multi-tier elections scheduled for 24th June this year. A statement from the Judiciary said the Court will hold its first sitting on Monday, 9th January, 2023, which will be presided over by Chief Justice Desmond B. Edwards.

The Executive Director of CARL-SL, Ibrahim Tommy, applauded the fact that citizens choose to use peaceful and legitimate means to resolve electoral grievances with the expectation that state organs and institutions to expedite the process fair, professional and impartial manner.

“It is gratifying that the Supreme Court will start hearing this matter barely a month after it was filed. This is a positive step forward in our collective advocacy for speedy resolution of electoral complaints,” Tommy said.

The civil society institution reckoned that they are aware that it was two lawyers of the main opposition All People’s Congress (APC) Party that filed an application to the Supreme Court against President Bio’s directive to the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) to conduct parliamentary elections using the PR system.

CARL-SL cited a study they conducted with funds from Irish Aid in 2022 revealing prolonged delays in election-related proceedings.

They urge parties involved to cooperate in line with directives of the Court and promised to assign monitors to provide regular updates in subsequent proceedings.