By Saidu Jalloh, D.S. Reporter
Freetown, Sierra Leone – On September 3, 2025, the Civil Society Organisation (CSO) Coordinating Committee visited the Tripartite Steering Committee Secretariat to address pertinent issues regarding the implementation of electoral reform recommendations and to explore avenues for enhanced collaboration.
The primary objective of the visit was to evaluate the status of the recommendations from the Tripartite and Election Observation Mission (EOM) and to bolster efforts for their effective execution.
During the meeting held at the Secretariat’s office on Wesley Street, the CSO Coordinating Committee formally introduced itself and engaged in discussions on potential partnerships to support the electoral reform process. Mr. Ngolo Katta, coordinator of the Tripartite Secretariat, provided a detailed update on the implementation status, including the introduction of a new recommendation tracker aimed at monitoring progress across key institutions such as the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL), the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC), and the Office of National Security (ONS).
As of now, the implementation statistics reveal a concerning picture:
- ECSL: Out of 64 recommendations, only 27% have been completed, 51% are ongoing, and 22% have not yet started.
- PPRC: Of 7 recommendations, 14% have been completed, 72% are ongoing, and 14% have not commenced.
- ONS: For 10 recommendations, 50% are completed and 50% are in progress.
- Other institutions, including the Independent Police Partnership Complaint Board (IPCB), SLBC, IMC, and the Human Rights Commission (HRC), have all reported ongoing efforts with varying degrees of progress.
Currently, a total of 39% of all recommendations have been implemented, with drafts under review by the Attorney General’s office. An additional 45% are in progress, while 16% remain unaddressed, pending further consultations and legal advice.
The Secretariat has committed to engaging citizens across all 16 districts to keep them informed about the implementation status, emphasizing the importance of collaboration with civil society in achieving meaningful electoral reforms and strengthening democratic governance.
In closing, the CSO Coordinating Committee expressed appreciation for the Secretariat’s efforts and reiterated their commitment to monitoring ongoing implementation. They have scheduled additional meetings with other institutions to facilitate this process. The National Election Watch (NEW) continues to provide technical and logistical support, funded by the European Union in Sierra Leone through International IDEA.
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