The Chief European Union EOM Observer, Evin Incir has said that the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) lacked clear, timely and comprehensive communication with the broader public during the conduct of the 2023 elections.

In a press conference on Monday, Incir expressed her admiration for voters to commit in the early hours to cast their votes despite the many challenges that they faced from the ECSL. She said, “Voters’ commited to a democratic process challenged by violence and lack of transparency at critical stages of the elections. We commend voter’s dedication and resolve to exercise their democratic right and to cast their ballots.”

She went on to state how citizen Observers deployed their teams to all polling centers on election day contributing to the transparency of the elections.

In the statement, they note that the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ESCL) appeared operationally prepared until delays and omissions in the delivery of sensitive materials occurred on Election Day with reasons not being properly explained.

“Throughout the electoral process, the ECSL lacked clear, timely and comprehensive communication with the broader public, creating uncertainties and reducing stakeholders ‘ trust. Considering the highly polarized political environment, it is crucial to ensure all transparency and unimpeded access of observers to critical stages of the tabulation of results,” the Chief siad.

She further added that, “At the start of the campaign, freedom of movement, assembly and expression were largely respected, but closer to election day, politically motivated attacks shrank the space of political participation in several districts. Disproportionate use of force by security agencies heightened tensions, while divisive content circulating on social media stirred discord. Positively, national fact-checking initiative clarifies vigorously countered disinformation, and media debates in all districts helped voters to make informed choices.”