By Saio Marrah
The preliminary report by the Group of Seven (g7+) Election Observer Mission(EOM) to Sierra Leone’s 2023 multitier elections has indicated that all 25 polling centres they visited did not open on time and that there were delays that caused frustration among voters.
The report also noted that the delays were caused by late arrival of voting materials.
The report was read out by the Team Lead of the Delegation and Deputy General Secretary of g7+, Habib Urrehman Mayar at a press conference held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Freetown on Sunday 25th June 2023.
The report noted that while queues at polling stations observed were largely peaceful and voters to a greater degree were knowledgeable about the voting process, “there were however some tensions at some stations where voters were struggling to enter the polling stations. This was due to the crowd and long queues,” g7+ team lead read out.
He added: “At one polling centre that the g7+ EOM visited, the voters had difficulty in entering add even witnessed few female voters who were fainted.”
The report also noted that the period of delay in the opening of the polls was not allotted to extend the closing period at some polling stations.
They also indicated in their report that while polling station layouts were generally conducive with the exception of some with poor lighting conditions ventilation and access especially for persons with disabilities. It also observed that voting booths were organized in a way that voters could see and notice each other.
During polling at some stations, some party agents were domineering and over bearing tried to put aside the centre manager and presiding officers.
“Few voters at few stations visited could not be verified due to the lack of their details in the voting register,” they noted.
The preliminary report also noted that counting at the stations visited was done without major incidents.
They also observed that counting procedures were largely followed except for some challenges in few stations were the presiding officer had to be corrected by either party agents or centre manager.
According to the g7+, votes were counted in full view of party agents, observer and security personnel and that provisional results at polling stations were recorded on polling station forms, verified and signed by party agents and copies issued to them.
It also observed that overall political environment around polling stations was “serene” friendly and free from political violence, intimidation and influence.
The group in its recommendations, called for logisticians of Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone to be more meticulous in the deployment of elections materials by referencing their checklists or final check to ensure all the materials required is sent to the polling centres in time.
More so, it recommended that polling staff should arrange the centres at least 24 hours before polling begins and to start the opening procedures on time as per law.
The report noted that timely opening of the polling centres will not only help in increasing the voters’ turnout but will also enhance the confidence of voters.
Considering the challenges faced in finding ideal location for polling centres, the report noted that there is need to begin conversation on how to manage those challenges queues management or engage with other EMBSs to see how it can be handled.
It also called for compensation of time for delayed in opening of polling after official opening time, by extending the time of closing and not by discretion.
The mission also called for polling staff, especially Presiding Officers to follow the laid out procedures which are intended to improve efficiency and enhance transparency. They also recommended for an improvement in polling official training.
They also called on party agents to abide by guidelines, while noting that they should particularly strictly guided not to touch the sensitive materials.
It noted that considering the fragility of the country, a contest for a price, called on political parties to exercise restraints in making pronouncement, which may be interrupted by supporters. G7+ urged them to rather take advantage of the space for dialogue.
After commending the security personnel for their professional conduct, the report also applauded the ECSL for its regular updates on the preparedness through press conference and among others.
They also strongly recommended that dress code be strictly followed by the polling officials as according to them, the lack of dress code of poll workers not being uniform made it difficult to easily be identified and it caused voters not know who to quickly get assistance from.
They also commended the Political Party Regulation Commission for letting political parties making peace pledges and peace march.
r an improvement in polling official training.
They also called on party agents to abide by guidelines, while noting that they should be particularly strictly guided not to touch the sensitive materials.
It noted that considering the fragility of the country, a contest for a price, called on political parties to exercise restraints in making pronouncements, which may be interrupted by supporters. G7+ urged them to rather take advantage of the space for dialogue.
After commending the security personnel for their professional conduct, the report also applauded the ECSL for its regular updates on preparedness through press conferences and among others.
They also strongly recommended that the dress code be strictly followed by the polling officials as according to them, the lack of the dress code of poll workers not being uniform made it difficult to easily be identified and it caused voters not to know who to quickly get assistance from.
They also commended the Political Party Regulation Commission for letting political parties make peace pledges and peace marches.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (28/06/23)
