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.”
We want justice if only democracy is existing in Sierra Leone by pupils right
We want credible transparent election results from the ecsl
I don’t think Sierra Leoneans are reflecting back to those dark days. I believe in transparency when it comes to election let the minds of the people heard. For we only have one mama salone. A true democracy is a victory for all and peace will prevail.
Let’ the Will be done 🙏
All we are asking for is a credible Election.
🇸🇱 🚩*27th June 2023*🚩🇸🇱
*Great Jagaban Movement*
Dear Sierra Leoneans,
It is with heavy hearts that we address you today about the disappointing actions of ECSL. As an organization that was meant to work towards the betterment of all Sierra Leoneans, we understand the frustration and disappointment that their recent actions have caused.
It is unacceptable to see any institution prioritize their interests over the well-being of the people they were created to serve. ECSL’s reckless actions have left many of us feeling disillusioned and let down.
We urge ECSL to take responsibility for their behavior and work towards restoring the trust between themselves and the people of Sierra Leone. Because the results announced it is unacceptable to we as a patriotic socio-political movement. We also encourage all of you to stay vigilant and hold ECSL accountable in all their future endeavors.
We stand with you during this difficult time and will continue to push for transparency, fairness, and justice for all Sierra Leoneans.
More over, we won’t encourage any nonsensical counselling from any international observers or committee, because it’s right in front of you that the ECSL robbed us a broad day light robbery.
Finally, we are encouraging all patriotic Sierra Leoneans to *STAND UP FOR OUR FREEDOM, RIGHTS and DEMOCRACY.* If not, Maada Bio will succeed to kill all patriotic Sierra Leoneans who stands against their *EVIL DEEDS* and turn our only beautiful Sierra Leone to a *ONE PARTY STATE*
Sincerely,
*Great Jagaban*
electronically sign….
I think is time we stop this finger pointing and, look inwardly where we got it wrong. To start with we were the masters of our own demise. Our campaign was not effective, let’s take a step back and reflect what was sold to the general public as what can be done differently by the APC. We did not witness our leader/s coming out as family men enabling people to see them in their light, instead the party weighed on those that were sounding the drums of violence, intimidation (Adebayor) and other platforms, advising people not to register or to be involved in the democratic process. My question is how do we expect them to cast their votes come election. This directly affected the APC votes. It seems as all we were embarking on was to disruption the electoral processes ( several men captured with military uniforms in Waterloo and Bo ) they were associated with the APC Party. Comrades the time for old politics has gone.
People need to know how you are going to solve their children’s Education, Health, Jobs, Food Security and Cost of Living Standard.
I advise the party leaders to restructure and restrategize or the party will not be of existence.