In Sierra Leone, the Tripartite Committee has identified 86 critical issues and formulated 169 recommendations as part of its mandate to address electoral disputes.
This was confirmed by Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh during a recent committee meeting held to review progress just before the initial six-month mandate’s expiration.
Chief Minister Sengeh, alongside APC leader Dr. Samura Kamara, participated in the expanded committee session aimed at assessing advancements in addressing the contentious issues arising from the 2023 elections.
“As Chief Negotiators of the Agreement for National Unity, APC’s Leader Samura Kamara and I joined an expanded Tripartite Committee meeting this evening to review progress a day before the initial six-month mandate ends. 86 issues raised, and 169 recommendations so far agreed,” Chief Minister Sengeh tweeted.
He further that confirmed, “They have agreed on 33 issues out of 86. The rest they’ll get to.”
Established to scrutinize election results, certification processes, observer reports, and the Public Elections Act of 2022, the committee’s operations have been significantly supported by a $1.5 million contribution from the U.S. government.
In a pivotal development, the All Peoples Congress (APC) yesterday announced its decision to rejoin the Tripartite Committee.
The APC’s return underscores its commitment to electoral justice and democratic principles despite accusing the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) government and the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) of obstructing the process.
“Despite the adversities we face, our participation in the Tripartite Committee is crucial in pursuing truth and justice,” the party stated.
The APC has raised concerns about the ECSL’s handling of the June 2023 elections, alleging that the ECSL failed to produce or verify critical disaggregated data, casting doubts on the authenticity of the announced results.
The APC claims credible evidence of over-voting and discrepancies in the election data, arguing that the ECSL’s refusal to provide this information indicates either non-existence of the data or contradictions with the announced figures.
This development marks a significant moment in Sierra Leone’s ongoing electoral dispute, with the APC emphasizing its resolve to ensure the will of the people is respected.