In response to recent misrepresentations made by certain political parties, the United National People’s Party (UNPP) on Friday 16 June 2023 issued a press release to clarify their position and provide the public with accurate information regarding the upcoming June 24th, 2023 elections.

The UNPP expresses concern over the increasing misrepresentations and believes it is essential to state their position clearly to ensure clarity and present relevant facts.

The following points address some of the key issues raised by these misrepresentations:

  1. The Election Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) has established open and transparent lines of communication through the Political Parties Liaison Committee (PPLC). The PPLC has been meeting regularly to discuss matters related to the June 24th, 2023 elections. This commitment to open dialogue demonstrates the ECSL’s dedication to transparency and inclusivity.
  2. The ECSL has consistently maintained open and transparent lines of communication with stakeholders, including Civil Society Organizations. These stakeholders are kept informed about the election roadmap, including the ongoing early voting exercise for Sierra Leonean pilgrims. Therefore, any suggestion that the ECSL has withheld crucial information is baseless and unfounded.
  3. The ECSL-PPLC platform has provided stakeholders with an opportunity to raise concerns, including the issue of poor-quality photos on some voter ID cards. However, it is important to note that there has been no outright condemnation or suggestion to change or discontinue the use of these ID cards in the election. Therefore, any insinuation that the poor quality of the photos will compromise the integrity of the poll is misleading and mischievous.

The UNPP reiterates their satisfaction with the entire process of the Biometric Voter Registration (BVR) exercise and commends the ECSL for the successful nationwide rollout. They emphasize their commitment to a peaceful, smooth, and successful election process that will genuinely reflect the free will of the people of Sierra Leone.

As the June 24th, 2023 elections approach, it is crucial to rely on accurate information and avoid the spread of misinformation. The UNPP urges the public to remain vigilant, engage in responsible discourse, and participate in the democratic process with confidence in the integrity of the electoral system.