In a historic move towards strengthening democracy in Sierra Leone, President Julius Maada Bio convened the Cross-Party Committee on the Review of Sierra Leone’s Electoral Systems and the Electoral Management Bodies.
The landmark event took place on Tuesday, 21 November 2023, at the State House in Freetown.
President Bio, standing alongside key figures from the All Peoples Congress (APC), including former presidential candidate Samura Kamara, emphasized the government’s dedication to fortifying the democratic foundation of Sierra Leone.
Addressing the significance of the committee, President Bio stated, “Today, in line with my Government’s commitment towards deepening and building a strong and vibrant democracy in Sierra Leone, I launched the Cross-Party Committee on the Review of Sierra Leone’s Electoral Systems and the Electoral Management Bodies at the State House in Freetown.”
The committee’s mandate extends to scrutinizing existing legal frameworks and institutional arrangements, with a focus on enhancing the electoral processes in Sierra Leone.
President Bio affirmed, “My Government remains resolute in our quest to address the capacity challenges in our electoral architecture and is committed to implementing proposed reforms to strengthen Sierra Leone’s electoral systems.”
This initiative is expected to revolutionize electoral practices in Sierra Leone, aiming to improve transparency and inclusivity. The committee will specifically assess legal and institutional aspects, striving to enhance the overall electoral experience for citizens.
President Bio, demonstrating political unity, called on all parties to contribute actively to the committee’s objectives.
In his quest for comprehensive electoral reform, he urged, “Sierra Leoneans, let us come together in our electoral architecture and contribute to implementing proposed reforms to strengthen Sierra Leone’s electoral systems.”
The committee’s launch comes as a significant development in Sierra Leone’s political landscape, symbolizing a collaborative effort to ensure fair and effective electoral processes in the nation.
