By Ibrahim Kabba Turay

Freetown, 11 June 2025 , In a landmark move to bolster electoral reform and democratic governance in Sierra Leone, the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA), through the European Union-funded Sierra Leone Democracy Strengthening Programme, has signed sub-grant agreements with three civil society organizations. The signing ceremony took place at the Brookfields Hotel on Jomo Kenyatta Road, Freetown.

The sub-grants, totalling €335,000, will be implemented over a seven-month period from June to December 2025. Beneficiaries include Talking Drum Studio-Sierra Leone (TDS-SL), National Election Watch (NEW), and the Centre for Human Rights and Democracy International (CHRDI). These grants are part of a broader EU-supported initiative aimed at promoting citizen participation, improving access to information, and implementing key electoral reform recommendations made by the Tripartite Committee and the 2023 EU Electoral Observation Mission (EU-EOM).

TDS-SL, in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and the Independent Radio Network (IRN), will use its sub-grant to mobilize media-based civil society actors. Their efforts will focus on civic education, community engagement, and professional training for journalists, fostering ethical, accurate, and solutions-oriented reporting around electoral reforms.

Dr. Idrissa Tarawallie, Head of International IDEA Sierra Leone, highlighted the critical role of the media in promoting electoral integrity. “Professional, ethical journalism is vital to building trust and transparency in the democratic process,” he said. “Partnering with local organizations ensures deeper community ties and better contextual understanding.”

National Election Watch (NEW) will channel its funding toward advocating for post-election legal reforms, strengthening institutional frameworks, and enhancing its election observation capacity. It aims to ensure that EU-EOM recommendations are implemented effectively and sustainably.

CHRDI, meanwhile, will focus on electoral justice, conducting legal research and collaborating with justice sector actors. According to CHRDI representative Charlie Fatoma, the grant will also contribute to long-term institutional growth and policy development in areas such as anti-corruption, transparency, and sexual harassment prevention.

Speaking on behalf of the EU, Gerald Hatler reaffirmed the European Union’s enduring commitment to democratic development in Sierra Leone. “These grants are not just financial support—they represent our shared vision of inclusive, accountable governance,” Hatler said. “We commend our civil society partners for their commitment to media freedom, transparency, and civic empowerment.”

Outgoing SLAJ President Ahmed Sahid Nasralla emphasized the need to protect journalists while strengthening professional standards. “A free, responsible press is essential for any democratic society. SLAJ remains committed to supporting journalists and collaborating with partners to ensure impactful implementation of reform recommendations,” he stated.

IRN’s Ransford Wright also underscored the importance of providing credible, factual information—especially to rural communities. He noted that the partnership with TDS and other stakeholders would enhance public understanding and accountability in the lead-up to the 2028 elections.

As Sierra Leone prepares for its next electoral cycle (2025–2027), these sub-grants mark a strategic investment in strengthening the democratic fabric of the nation. The grant signing event, conducted in both English and local languages, symbolized the inclusive nature of the initiative and the diverse sociopolitical realities it seeks to address.

With implementation now underway, stakeholders have committed to ensuring transparency, inclusivity, and lasting impact through robust civil society engagement and strengthened media capacity.