By Nasratu Kargbo
The Institute for Governance Reform (IGR) has launched an application called Sense Bod App designed to educate citizens on the electoral system that will be used in the coming elections.
IGR’s Data Manager ,Alieu Gilbert Fullah on the 30th May 2023 explained that the app will educate the public not only on electoral system, manifestoes of the different political parties, numbers of polling centres across the country and districts, but how many votes can be translated into seats.
He said they created the app to inform citizens in order for them to make an informed decision, noting that they want citizens to vote based on policies and not ethnicity, region, religions etc.
Speaking on what inspired them to create the app, Gilbert explained that when their institution conducted the voter’s knowledge and aptitude survey they found out that there was a huge knowledge gap on the electoral system.
He said more than 80% of citizens do not understand the Proportional Representation (PR) system, pointing out that the app will help educate Sierra Leoneans.
Responding to question on whether the app can be accessed offline, Fullah said for certain information it can, whilst for others they will need to be connected to the internet.
“This is the first version of the application; we have plans to work on it and improve it. The app will not only be important during election, but even after elections and for subsequent elections”, he said.
When asked how the app can be made accessible, Fullah said it will be available in Google Play store by the close of business day, and on app store by the end of the week. He added that by the end of the week it will be available for both android and iPhone users.
Fullah also explained that all of the information found in the app is authentic.
He then demonstrated to the audience how the app works, interacts with its user, and responds to questions via text or audio in an interactive manner.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (05/06/2023)
