President Julius Maada Bio has officially received a major report on the Independent Management and Functional Review of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) and other Election Management Bodies (EMBs), calling it a pivotal step toward strengthening democracy, transparency, and national cohesion.
The comprehensive review—produced by the Public Sector Reform Unit (PSRU) in collaboration with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES)—presents 85 actionable recommendations aimed at addressing long-standing challenges in the country’s electoral system. The report also forms part of the broader commitments made under the Government-APC Agreement for National Unity.
Speaking during a presentation ceremony at State House, President Bio thanked the wide array of stakeholders who contributed to the review process, including civil society groups, traditional leaders, the media, youth and women’s organizations, and development partners. He also acknowledged the participation of the opposition All People’s Congress (APC), stressing that inclusive national dialogue was crucial to resolving the country’s democratic deficits.
“As President, I am not here to merely govern. I am here to resolve the deep-rooted challenges to our peace, democracy, and national cohesion,” he said. “That is why I ensured the inclusion of all, including the APC, in this national reform process.”
President Bio described the reform as a continuation of his administration’s broader efforts to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s recommendations. He highlighted reforms achieved during his tenure, including the abolition of the death penalty, repeal of repressive laws, and advancements in gender and justice sector reforms.
He emphasized that his experience contesting elections twice had given him a personal understanding of the flaws in the electoral system, reinforcing his belief in the importance of institutional reform. “This review is not about scoring political points; it is about ensuring that no citizen’s vote is undermined,” he said.
The review was publicly proposed in August 2023 during the State Opening of the Sixth Parliament, where President Bio announced plans to establish an independent mechanism to assess the electoral framework and ECSL’s performance. The current report fulfills that promise.
Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, Chief Minister and Chairman of the Steering Committee on the Implementation of the Tripartite Committee Report, formally presented the findings to the President.
Director of the Public Sector Reform Unit, Sulaiman Phoray Musa, described the review as a critical step in revitalizing public institutions and aligning with the administration’s Big Five Game Changers—particularly efforts to revamp the public service architecture. He cited key recommendations such as improved staff training, fair remuneration, consistent voter engagement, digital modernization, and timely publication of observer reports.
International development partners present at the ceremony—including the EU, the UN, and National Elections Watch (NEW)—praised the President’s commitment to reform. They highlighted the significance of institutionalizing independent electoral reviews and ensuring that recommendations are not only published but implemented.
As Sierra Leone prepares for future elections, the successful implementation of the report’s recommendations may prove to be a turning point in restoring public confidence in electoral institutions and deepening democratic governance.
By Femi Lewis Kamara
