Dr. Richard Conteh, a prominent member of the All People’s Congress (APC), has expressed profound disappointment over the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone’s (ECSL) refusal to cooperate with the APC’s request for clarification on the analysis of the 2023 presidential election results.

This refusal has raised significant concerns about the transparency and accountability of the electoral process in Sierra Leone.

In a statement, Dr. Conteh emphasized, “It’s disheartening that the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) is deliberately refusing to cooperate with the APC party’s request for clarification on their analysis of the 2023 presidential results. Transparency and accountability are crucial for democracy. We urge ECSL to engage in constructive dialogue and provide the necessary clarifications to uphold the integrity of our electoral process.”

The letter from the ECSL, dated June 12, 2024, acknowledged the receipt of the APC’s letter signed by Dr. Kaifala Marah, Dr. Richard Conteh, Ambassador Dr. Alimamy P. Koroma, Boniface Sidikie Kamara, Bernadette Kargbo, Prince Tholley, and David Fornah. The Commission noted that the letter did not comply with administrative procedures as per the Terms of Reference (ToR) of the Cross-Party Committee on Electoral Systems and Management Bodies Review. However, it referred the APC to prior correspondence and meetings where related matters were allegedly addressed, notably the face-to-face meetings held on May 28, 2024.

Dr. Conteh’s statement underscores a broader concern within the APC about the ECSL’s approach to handling the electoral process. The APC believes that the ECSL’s lack of responsiveness and transparency undermines the democratic principles that are essential for fair and free elections. The party has been vocal about the need for clear and open communication from the ECSL, particularly regarding the controversial results of the 2023 presidential elections.

The APC’s request for clarification stems from discrepancies and issues they identified in the election results, which they believe warrant a thorough and transparent review. By not providing the requested clarifications, the ECSL is perceived as avoiding accountability and contributing to a growing mistrust in the electoral system among the public and political stakeholders.

The APC has called on the ECSL to revisit its stance and engage in meaningful dialogue to resolve these issues. Dr. Conteh highlighted that constructive engagement and transparency are vital for maintaining the credibility of the electoral process and ensuring that the public retains confidence in the democratic system.