By Ragan M. Conteh

The Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone on Wednesday 28th May, 2025 officially unveiled new ultra-modern media centre with the theme: “Enhancing Civic and Electoral Education for informed and Inclusive Participation.”

Addressing attendees during the opening ceremony, the Chief Electoral Commissioner, who also doubles as the Returning Officer, Mohamed K. Konneh said that the Media Centre at the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone

(ECSL) was established through a partnership between the government of Sierra Leone and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with financial support from the government of Sierra Leone, Ireland, Canada, Iceland, the European Union and UNDP.

Mr. Konneh noted that since the restructuring of the centre in 2005, the Commission has been able to manage its first Media Centre.

He said that the centre was dismantled just after the announcement of the 2007 elections.

In 2012, another Media Centre was established for the purpose of engaging stakeholders and announcement of the 2012 General Elections and immediately after that the centre was again dismantled.

In 2018 the model of 2012 was replicated.

In 2020, ECSL rented the Freetown International Conference Centre where they engaged stakeholders and announced the 2023 general elections results.

That makeshift structure was also dismantled after the announcement of the elections in June 2023.

He said the centre marks a critical step forward in their ongoing commitment to transparency timely communication, inclusive engagement with the public, stakeholders and the media.

He said the establishment of this centre is not just about infrastructure, but also about building trust, strengthening our democracy, and ensuring that all voices are heard and informed.

He maintained that it’s a space where journalists, observers, political parties, civil society groups can engage in for the timely dissemination of information.

It will also support their role in combating misinformation and enhance public confidence in the electoral process.

He however thanked the development partners for their support in making this vision a reality.

Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah thanked ECSL for setting up of the media centre.

He encouraged others to emulate ECSL as such centre is very important for the smooth running of their institutions.

UNDP Country representative, Frederick Ampiah, said that this Centre is far more than a building equipped with resources and technology, it is a symbol of progress, and a demonstration of what can be achieved when we unite for a common goal, a place where ideas will grow, where citizens will deepen their understanding of democratic rights and electoral processes.

Mr. Ampiah noted that Powered by modern technology the Centre will serve as a permanent hub for voter education, media engagement, training and civic dialogue accessible year-round imagine interactive digital platforms that deliver voter guides in local languages, or virtual town halls connecting communities across Serra Leone- from the busy markets of Freetown to the villages in the provinces to ECSL experts.

He said the Centre will bring these innovations to life, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Other speakers who made meaningful contributions during the ceremony include, Ireland Deputy Head of Mission, Kjurtan Oskursson and ECSL Executive Secretary.

The ceremony was climaxed by a conducted tour of the control room, dressing room, conference room among others.