AYV News, April 14, 2025
The President of the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC) and Chairman of the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (EC-SL), Mohamed Konneh, played a central role in the ECONEC Extraordinary General Assembly held today in Banjul, The Gambia, where electoral reforms and regional cooperation were key topics of discussion.
The high-level gathering brought together electoral commission representatives from across the ECOWAS region to review and ratify the network’s revised statutes, with a sharp focus on enhancing cross-border electoral cooperation.
Under Mr. Konneh’s leadership, ECONEC has crafted a strategic roadmap aimed at fostering regional collaboration in electoral management. One of the most innovative proposals on the table—championed by Mr. Konneh—is the creation of a continent-first electoral resource-sharing database. The initiative seeks to promote the pooling of electoral materials and expertise among ECONEC member states, with the aim of reducing the high financial costs associated with elections and promoting efficiency across the region.
“The idea is to ensure that electoral bodies within the ECOWAS region do not operate in isolation,” Mr. Konnehstated during the meeting. “By sharing resources—whether technological, logistical, or human—we can significantly improve the quality and affordability of our electoral processes.”
Since taking the helm at ECSL, he has implemented a series of reforms, including the introduction of new legislative instruments, improvements in staff welfare, a comprehensive management review, and enhancements to the Commission’s infrastructure. These efforts have bolstered ECSL’s credibility and efficiency, earning him regional recognition.
Representing Sierra Leone alongside Mr. Konneh at the assembly is Mr. Edmond S. Alpha, Commissioner for the Southern Region. Together, they brought valuable insights and expertise to the deliberations, especially as the assembly moved toward the anticipated adoption of the revised ECONEC statutes.
Founded in February 2008, ECONEC serves as the umbrella body for electoral management bodies in West Africa. It is dedicated to promoting free, fair, and credible elections in line with the 1991 ECOWAS Declaration of Political Principles on Freedom, Peoples’ Rights, and Democratization.
As ECONEC prepares to adopt its revised statutes and advance key initiatives, Mohamed Konneh’s leadership stands as a testament to Sierra Leone’s growing influence in regional democratic development. His forward-thinking approach is expected to leave a lasting impact not only on ECONEC but on the entire West African electoral landscape.
