Former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, has expressed strong criticism of the Electoral Commission For Sierra Leone (ECSL) for the delay in publishing the voter registration data ahead of the upcoming general elections on June 24, 2023.
Kamara, who previously served under the All People’s Congress (APC) government, emphasized the importance of timely publication of this data in ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process.
According to Kamara, the election process involves more than just casting votes on election day.
He asserted that the publication of voter registration data plays a vital role in maintaining the credibility of the election process and upholding democratic principles.
“Election is the process of choosing by popular votes a candidate for a political office in a democracy. The casting of votes on the day of the polls is just part of the electoral process. Timely publication of voter registration data is key to that process and attaches credibility,” he maintained.
By making this information available to the public, it enables citizens to verify the accuracy of the voter rolls and ensures that the electoral system is fair and free from manipulation.
Kamara’s statement highlights concerns about the potential implications of the delay in publishing the voter registration data. Without access to this crucial information, there is a risk that the integrity of the electoral process may be compromised, eroding public confidence in the fairness of the upcoming elections.
As the June 24 general elections draw near, pressure is mounting on the ECSL to promptly release the voter registration data. This would not only address Kamara’s concerns but also fulfill the expectations of the Sierra Leonean people, who are eagerly awaiting the publication of this information to participate fully in the democratic process.