By Nasratu Kargbo
The West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network (WADEMOS) has called on the Electoral Commission Sierra Leone (ECSL) and all stakeholders to act in a manner that will uphold the peace and stability of the country, in order to enhance democracy in the West African sub-region.
A press release by WADEMOS dated 26th June 2023 called ‘’on the ESCL to demonstrate transparency and the highest level of integrity in the tallying and declaration of results to increase public trust in the outcome of the polls as we move into the post-election phase”.
The group in their statement explained that the election was peaceful and inclusive, even though polling stations opened late due to the late arrival of election materials, which it said caused delays in voting and the counting of ballot papers after the voting process ended. It added that the situation led to some cases of disorder and discontentment amongst expectant voters.
It added that they observed long queues in the early hours of the election, an indication that citizens were highly interested in the elections. It further explained that the institution observed a high-level presence of agents of the two main political parties, as well as local and international observers in most of the polling centres they visited.
According to the release, the team visited polling centres situated within Aberdeen, Victoria Park, and Fourah Bay College in the Western Rural and Urban Districts.
WADEMOS urged all stakeholders such as security agencies, political parties, candidates, and supporters in a bid to consolidate the democratic gains and to uphold the peace and stability of the country, to refrain from violence in addressing election-related grievances.
The release stated that the Network’s mission to Sierra Leone was to support and extend solidarity to the National Elections Watch (NEW), which is a member of the Network together with civil society organizations, the media, and all stakeholders involved in the elections.
It applauded all voters for conducting themselves in an orderly and peaceful manner on Election Day, despite the reported cases of isolated election-related challenges across the country.
Copyright © 2023 Politico (28/06/23)
