On November 6, development partners and the Government of Sierra Leone gathered for the Ad Hoc Development Partner Working Group on Electoral Reform, marking a significant step forward in the country’s electoral reform process. The meeting, co-chaired by Honorable Chief Minister David Moinina Sengeh and U.S. Ambassador Bryan David Hunt, focused on evaluating progress toward the 80 joint and 4 shared recommendations proposed in the final report of the Tripartite Committee.
During the session, the working group received a detailed update from the Steering Committee, highlighting the advancements made in implementing these essential reforms. Development partners praised the government’s actions, including regulatory updates by electoral bodies and the Attorney General’s initial drafting of legislative changes. They supported the government’s plans to bring this draft legislation to Parliament soon, underscoring the need for prompt action to ensure timely implementation.
Additionally, the government disclosed the start of an external functional management review of the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone, which began this month. Development partners commended this development and reaffirmed their commitment to assisting the reform process, pledging staffing support for the Steering Committee’s Secretariat and advocating for the full involvement of all 24 Steering Committee members.
Both parties also agreed to amplify public awareness of the reform recommendations and their progress. The government and development partners plan to expand outreach efforts in collaboration with the Ministry of Information and Civic Education and civil society organizations. Key political parties, the Sierra Leone People’s Party and the All People’s Congress were acknowledged for their role in educating their supporters about these critical reforms.
These joint efforts underscore the government and development partners’ commitment to establishing a transparent, inclusive, and impactful electoral reform process, which they believe will strengthen Sierra Leone’s democratic foundations.
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