25 June 2023 – The g7+ Election Observation Mission (EOM) presented the Preliminary report of the General election that was held in Sierra Leone on 24 of June 2023.
The g7+ observed total of 25 polling stations in two districts namely Freetown and Waterloo in the western region. The Observer mission is led by Mr. Habib Ur Rehman Mayar, Deputy General Secretary of g7+. The rest of the delegation is comprised of Mr. Felix Piedade, Chief operating Officer of g7+, Mr. Domingos Barreto, Vice President of National Election commission of TimorLeste, Mr. Michael A. Clarke, Deputy Director of National Election commission of Liberia.
The g7+ Election Observer Mission observed the opening, voting, closing and counting, considering the principles of objectivity, impartiality, independence, and professionality.
The g7+ EOM noted that ECSL showed commitment, confident, impartially and professionalism in conducting the election. This was also demonstrated by the fact that the ECSL leadership and staff were cooperative and approachable to the g7+ EOM.
The layout at the polling stations observed, meet international practice by large in which all materials, polling staff, party agents and observers were present. Despite delays in the opening of some of the polling stations visited, the turnout of voters in eagerly manner is commendable and reflects the collective commitment of the population to democracy.
The g7+ EOM congratulates the people of Sierra Leone for their contribution to the peaceful and successful election and applaud the commitment of Electoral commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) in making the election successful.
The g7+ Election Observation Mission will submit preliminary report with recommendations aimed at future improvement to relevant Electoral Management Bodies. It is recommended that national level consultation be regularly held with civil society and media on how to further improve the management of the election.
The g7+ Election Observation Mission looks forward to continuing collaboration with Electoral Management Bodies of Sierra Leone for further engagement and collaboration in the future.
The g7+ Election Observation Mission (EOM) initiative was officially institutionalized in March 2023 as part of g7+ peer learning and Fragile-to-Fragile cooperation. The program aims at contributing to democratic consolidation, strengthening peace and development. The g7+ will continue observing election in other member countries. The End