By Ibrahim Karim Bangura (Tanko)

The International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFFES), based in the United States of America, with over twenty years’ experience in electoral management and reforms, has told journalists on Tuesday, 5th November, 2024 at the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL),  Head Office, Tower Hill, Freetown that they will soon be present in Sierra Leone to investigate Sierra Leone’s 2023 elections.

The US electoral firm is doing that to rebrand the image of ECSL regarding alleged malpractices of the June 24th 2023 polls and other related matters that have to do with the 84 Tripartite recommendations and    implementation processes that are still questionable to many, according to IFFES reps.

Sulaiman Forary-Muasa, Director of Public Sector Reform Unit said they are mandated by the Chief Minister’s office, as Chaiman of the Steering Committee, to implement specific recommendations in the Tripartite Report. And that includes, but not limited to, Recommendations 6, 10, 21, 76 and 7.

Adding that PSRU, with technical support from the International Foundation for Electoral System (IFES).

And with financial support from the Government of Sierra Leone and USAID, they will conduct an Independent Management and Functional Review of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone and other Elections Management Bodies (EMBs) in line with the relevant recommendations above.

He said a Memorandum of Understanding had already been signed with the Director of the

International Foundation for Electoral System by the Office of the Chief Minister and Director,

PSRU.

This comprehensive review underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening the electoral systems and structures, ensuring they can effectively preside over future elections in

Sierra Leone.

“IFFES collaborate with civil society, public institutions, and the private sector to build resilient democracies that deliver for everyone.

Their work is reflected through their technical assistance and applied research focused on elections, government transparency, corruption, and innovative ways in which technology and data can positively serve elections and democracy.”

A prerequisite for global and national peace and justice is the full and equal participation of women in all areas of political and public life. The active engagement of both women and men is also necessary for a resilient democracy. “IFES supports women to increase their voices in democratic and electoral processes and works with governments, civil society organizations, and independent institutions so that they are better prepared to advance women’s leadership,” Director Musa stated.

In his remarks, Chairman-National Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone, Mohamed K. Konneh said the institution is open to any findings regarding 2023 elections and others associated matters. Though, the polls were free and fair. “My teams highly welcome IFFES, ECSL believe in reforms and democratic progress in the country. With support of experts with credible background in electoral management system will surely give more capacity building and proactive achievement in future, ” he said.

The General elections were held in Sierra Leone on 24 June 2023 to elect the president and members of Parliament. Incumbent president Julius Maada Bio was re-elected with 56% of the vote and the Sierra Leone People’s Party won 81 seats in Parliament compared to the main opposition party, the All People’s Congress, which won 54 seats. The result was contested by the All People’s Congress, which demanded a rerun, citing “glaring irregularities”. European election observers stated that there were “statistical inconsistencies” in the presidential results published, with the European Union Election Observation Mission saying that the electoral commission should “publish disaggregated results data per polling station to allow for public scrutiny of the results.” Unless that happened, it said that transparency was compromised. The Carter Center echoed these sentiments as  the United States, Britain, Ireland, Germany, France and the European Union. The election was regarded by some international observers as a litmus test for West Africa’s democratic resilience.

13 candidates contested the presidential election, although the two largest opposition parties, the National Grand Coalition (NGC) and the Coalition for Change (C4C) did not field presidential candidates in 2023.

International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES) is an international, non-profit organisation founded in 1987. Based in Arlington, Virginia, United States, the organization assists and supports elections and electoral stakeholders.

IFES advances democracy for a better future.