The Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (EC-SL) has engaged political parties, partners and the media on elections preparedness as the country approaches its multi-tier elections.

Presenting on Result Management Systems, Henry Swaray, Director of Data Management and Voters Roll explained that the EC-SL Result Management System has two architectural modes which are online and offline.

He explained further that the online mode enables reliable and secured transmission of result data from mobile devices at the polling station where the initial data entry occurs using the online platform.

The offline mode, he went on, is a web-based platform that will allow the processing of results at the regional tally center.

He underscored that the Polling Center Manager (PCM) ensures the security of the mobile device until ballot counting is completed, while noting that the Result and Reconciliation Form (RRF) is completed and signed by the Presiding Officer and political party agents or Observers.

From this point he highlighted, the PCM then liaise with each Presiding Officer to enter the results into the online tally application, stressing that both signatures will have to be appended before the result is transmitted.

Presenting on Accreditation, Albert Massaquoi, Director of External Relations stated that the Public Elections Act gave the EC-SL the authority to accredit observers. He spoke about the various Sections of the Public Elections Act which talks about the roles and responsibilities of accredited observes.

He said all those seeking accreditation from the EC-SL should do so in writing through their website or any of their regional offices.

He explained that interested institutions should submit a request with names, telephone numbers and voter registration numbers of their observers, alongside one passport sized photo with name written on the back.

The EC-SL he said may accredit an applicant to observe the election after taking into consideration the information provided by the applicant as to if the observer group will promote conditions conducive to free and fair elections or be competent and professional in observing that elections.

He listed the categories of observers that would be eligible for an accreditation during the elections, namely, political parties and candidates’ agents, electoral observers both national and international and the media both national and international.

He also spoke on the rights and obligations of observers and encouraged all to be law abiding during this electioneering period.