Freetown, Sierra Leone — President Julius Maada Bio has received the final report from the Cross-Party Committee on Electoral Systems and Bodies (Tripartite Committee) at State House today.
The report marks a significant step in the country’s efforts to reform its electoral processes.
In his remarks, President Bio emphasized his commitment to strengthening Sierra Leone’s democratic foundations through just and inclusive electoral management reforms.
He expressed his gratitude to the committee members for their exceptional service and to development partners for their support in achieving the committee’s objectives.
The official statement, jointly signed by APC leader Samura Kamara and Chief Minister David Sengeh, highlighted the formation and work of the Cross-Party Committee, established following the ‘Agreement for National Unity’ signed in October 2023.
This agreement aimed to foster peace, unity, and national cohesion, particularly focusing on electoral justice, accountability, and transparency.
The committee, composed of representatives from the government, APC, SLPP, other political parties, public institutions, civil society organizations, and development partners, worked diligently for six months.
Despite challenges, they successfully produced a comprehensive report detailing the review of electoral systems and management bodies, deemed crucial for enhancing Sierra Leone’s democracy.
The report covers various election cycles from 2007, 2012, 2018, and the recently concluded 2023 General Elections. While it reflects areas of both agreement and disagreement between the government and the APC, it underscores the importance of democratic dialogue and consensus-building.
The submission of this report to President Bio signifies the beginning of the implementation phase, which will determine the sincerity and commitment of all parties involved.
Successful implementation of the recommendations is anticipated to bring Sierra Leone’s electoral system up to international standards, ensuring timely and impactful reforms.
As the country moves forward, both local and international stakeholders remain committed to supporting these crucial reforms, reflecting a shared vision for a more transparent and accountable electoral process.
