2023 Elections: WADEMOS assesses Sierra Leone’s election landscape amidst challenges
In a bid to promote democratic values and unity among civil society in West Africa, the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS) embarked on a significant pre-election solidarity mission to Sierra Leone from May 15 to 18, 2023. This mission comes ahead of the forthcoming presidential, parliamentary, mayoral, and local council elections scheduled for June 24, 2023, and seeks to ensure the upholding of democracy in the country.
The West African sub-region has long recognized the importance of working collectively to enhance the credibility and integrity of elections. In light of this, WADEMOS, in collaboration with its network members, engaged with various stakeholders in Sierra Leone to assess the socio-political and electoral landscape, as well as the level of preparedness for the upcoming elections.
During the mission, WADEMOS held meetings with key entities including the Human Rights Commission, the Office of National Security (ONS), the Sierra Leone Police (SLP), the Political Parties Regulations Commission (PPRC), political parties themselves, the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL), and the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC). These engagements provided a platform for WADEMOS to receive comprehensive briefings and gain insights into the challenges and opportunities surrounding the election process.
Sierra Leone’s upcoming elections mark the fifth consecutive election cycle since the end of the country’s civil war in 2002, which represents an impressive 21-year period of unbroken democracy. Notably, the introduction of the proportional representation (PR) system in the 2023 parliamentary and local council elections adds a significant dimension to the electoral landscape. While the presidential election and the election of mayors continue to adopt the majoritarian first-past-the-post electoral system, the introduction of the PR system has led to the creation of three additional parliamentary seats.
According to the ECSL, a total of 13 candidates have filed for nominations to contest the presidential elections. Among the 17 political parties registered with the Political Parties Regulatory Commission, the incumbent Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the All People’s Congress (APC) have completed nominations for all elective positions thus far. The ECSL has designated 11,832 polling stations across 3,306 polling centers, and 87.4% of registered voters have received their voter ID cards, amounting to 2,982,680 distributed cards.
However, Sierra Leone’s political environment leading up to the elections is not without challenges. The country grapples with socio-economic issues such as rising costs of living and high youth unemployment, which contribute to an atmosphere of tension. WADEMOS has observed a high level of political mistrust, particularly between the two major political parties, the APC and the SLPP, and also between the APC and the ECSL. This mistrust stems from various political developments since 2018, including court rulings, population census, riots, and the late introduction of the PR system.
Moreover, WADEMOS has raised concerns about the use of hate speech in the political discourse, particularly through social media platforms. The inflammatory language and dissemination of disinformation have the potential to escalate ethnic tensions, leading to violence before, during, and after the June 24 elections. These challenges, along with other observations, have prompted WADEMOS to provide recommendations aimed at fostering peace, trust, and confidence among different electoral stakeholders.
WADEMOS calls for inclusive dialogue among political parties, particularly the APC and the SLPP, to address the deep-seated mistrust and foster a more cooperative and respectful atmosphere. The organization suggests the establishment of a platform where political parties can engage in regular discussions, exchange information, and find common ground on critical issues. Such an initiative would not only facilitate improved communication but also enhance transparency in the electoral process.
Additionally, WADEMOS emphasizes the need for robust information sharing and voter education programs to counter the spread of hate speech and disinformation. The organization proposes that the ECSL, in collaboration with civil society organizations, religious leaders, and media outlets, should lead initiatives to raise awareness among the electorate about the importance of responsible citizenship, the consequences of hate speech, and the value of informed decision-making.
Furthermore, WADEMOS stresses the significance of ensuring a level playing field for all political parties, including equal access to media coverage and the prevention of any form of voter intimidation or suppression. The organization calls on the SLP to enforce strict security measures to deter any acts of violence or electoral malpractice during the campaign period and on election day.
As Sierra Leone gears up for its landmark elections, the observations and recommendations put forth by WADEMOS offer valuable insights to the country’s electoral stakeholders. Implementing these recommendations will be crucial to fostering a peaceful, inclusive, and credible electoral process, enabling Sierra Leone to build upon its rich democratic heritage and set an example for the region.
While challenges persist, the commitment of organizations like WADEMOS, along with the determination of Sierra Leone’s citizens, will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in ensuring a successful democratic transition and a brighter future for the nation.
