His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has received the Cross-Party Initiative Committee’s report on the Electoral Systems and Management Bodies Review, assuring his government’s commitment to fully implementing its recommendations.
The President described the completion of this process as a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s journey toward strengthening democracy and ensuring credible, transparent, and inclusive electoral processes. He noted that this event marked the first time the nation had undertaken such a comprehensive review of its electoral systems, structures, and processes.
President Bio emphasized that “the Cross-Party Committee’s mandate was to identify the challenges, lay a pathway towards addressing some of the age-long gaps in our electoral system, and provide a platform for free, fair, transparent, and credible elections in the future.” He highlighted that the report's findings are crucial for the nation and could positively impact future elections.
The President also pointed out that this review process was historic because it marked unprecedented collaboration between the government and Sierra Leone's leading opposition party. He described this cooperation as a powerful demonstration of shared commitment to enhancing the electoral process. “As I received this report,” he said, “I acknowledge the extensive consultations, research, and deliberations that have sharpened its contents. This reporting body represents voices from various sectors of our society.”
“My government understands the need to work with opposition parties and all relevant stakeholders to address democratic challenges,” President Bio continued. He commended both government representatives and those from All People’s Congress (APC) on their dedication to national service through participation in this committee.
President Bio assured that his administration is committed to implementing all recommendations from the Tripartite Committee's report inclusively and participatorily. He expressed gratitude for what he termed a "priceless service" to Sierra Leone.
Following mediated dialogue in October 2023 between Sierra Leone's government and APC representatives focused on fostering peace, unity, national cohesion—particularly around issues of electoral justice—the agreement for National Unity was signed.
The report covers various issues related to elections held in 2007, 2012, 2018, and most recently concluded general elections in 2023.
For more inquiries: State House Media and Communications Unit
info@statehouse.gov.sl
Alerts Sign-up