By: Saidu Jalloh, Reporter
The 2024 ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC) Regional Symposium and General Assembly was inaugurated today, November 12, 2024, by the Sierra Leone Electoral Commission (ECSL) at the Radisson Blu Mammy Yoko Hotel. The two-day event, themed “The Role of Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs) in Promoting Information Integrity, as a Vital Component in Safeguarding Electoral Processes,” gathers key stakeholders from across West Africa to address the challenges of electoral information integrity.
In his opening remarks, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, urged participants to engage in meaningful discussions aimed at strengthening democratic processes and combating electoral misinformation in the region. He highlighted the importance of collective responsibility in ensuring free, fair, and credible elections while showcasing Sierra Leone’s cultural and touristic attractions to international guests.
ECSL Chairman and ECONEC President Mohammed Konneh addressed the rising challenge of misinformation, which he described as fueling public skepticism and undermining democratic engagement. “The digital age has expanded our role as EMBs, from managing elections to protecting the integrity of the information landscape that shapes public trust,” Konneh stated. He emphasized the necessity of robust strategies, including proactive monitoring, partnerships with tech platforms, and targeted communication, to counter disinformation that threatens electoral credibility.
Keynote speaker Josephine Fatima Kamara, Director-General of the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation, called on EMBs to act as “defenders of truth and trust” in democratic processes. Kamara urged attendees to confront misinformation head-on, labeling it a threat to national security and public trust. She underscored the importance of real-time fact-checking, collaboration with digital platforms, and transparent communication strategies to uphold electoral integrity.
Representatives from ECOWAS and international electoral bodies, such as Ambassador Harouna Moussa, ECOWAS Resident Representative, and Cyrus Sheriff, representing Chief Minister Dr. David Sengeh, echoed the need for regional collaboration. They highlighted the significance of shared standards and cooperative learning in defending democracy within the complex digital media landscape.
The session concluded with group photos and expressions of camaraderie, as participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening democratic processes and ensuring information integrity across West Africa.
