AYV News, June 10, 2025
President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has officially received the much-anticipated report on the Independent Management and Functional Review of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (EC-SL) and other Election Management Bodies (EMBs), a milestone in the country’s ongoing effort to strengthen democratic institutions and electoral credibility.
The comprehensive review, conducted by the Public Sector Reform Unit (PSRU) in partnership with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES), examined the institutional operations of the ECSL and related bodies. It highlighted critical operational challenges and produced 85 actionable recommendations aimed at improving electoral transparency, efficiency, and public trust.
Receiving the report at State House, President Bio extended appreciation to all stakeholders who contributed to the nationwide assessment process, including civil society organizations, youth and women’s groups, the media, traditional authorities, religious leaders and political actors. He described the review as a necessary and inclusive national undertaking that reflects his Government’s long-standing commitment to democratic deepening and institutional accountability.
President Bio recalled his personal history in Sierra Leone’s peacebuilding efforts and emphasized his belief in collective responsibility when addressing national challenges. He noted that his administration’s broader reform agenda, including the abolition of the death penalty, enhancement of gender equality, strengthening of the judiciary and repeal of repressive laws, stemmed from lessons learned through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) and from his own experiences contesting national elections.
Highlighting the origins of the review process, the President pointed to his 3 August 2023 address during the State Opening of the Sixth Parliament, where he publicly proposed an independent mechanism to evaluate the performance and integrity of the EC-SL. He reiterated his conviction that leadership must go beyond governance to address entrenched obstacles to peace and national cohesion.
“As President, I am not here to merely govern,” he declared. “I am here to resolve the deep-rooted challenges to our peace, democracy and national unity. That is why I made sure this process was inclusive, with participation from all stakeholders including the opposition APC. I thank everyone, especially the APC, for their candor, time and commitment.”
President Bio acknowledged the challenging environment under which the EC-SL has operated, commending the Commission for its service despite constraints. He expressed gratitude to Sierra Leone’s international partners, including the European Union and the United Nations and appealed for their continued support in ensuring the full and timely implementation of the review’s recommendations.
Director of the Public Sector Reform Unit, Sulaiman PhorayMusa, praised President Bio’s leadership and noted that the review aligns with one of the flagship priorities of the Government’s “Big Five Game Changers” particularly the revamping of public sector institutions. He explained that the participatory process had unveiled significant institutional gaps within the EC-SL and proposed reforms such as improved staff training, review of employment and promotion protocols, enhanced communication strategies and timely handling of observer reports and public outreach.
Additional expressions of support were delivered by the Chairperson of EC-SL, the European Union Ambassador to Sierra Leone, the UN Resident Coordinator, and representatives from National Elections Watch (NEW). All commended the President for initiating and sustaining a credible, nationally mediated review process that ultimately led to the historic Agreement for National Unity between the Government and the APC.
The report was formally presented to President Bio by Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, who also chairs the Steering Committee overseeing the implementation of the Tripartite Committee Report. It marks a significant step toward strengthening Sierra Leone’s electoral architecture and upholding the rule of law as the foundation for free, fair and credible elections.
