The Election Observers Network (EON) – Sierra Leone has declared the National Grand Coalition (NGC)’s just concluded National Convention elections as free, fair and transparent.

According to the Network, its observation team was present throughout the event which commenced several hours behind the scheduled time.

It said the team observed the opening of ballot boxes, polling booths, delegates lists, ballot papers and voting, adding that the NGC’s internal security arrangements were nicely complemented by the Sierra Leone Police who provided overall protection and policing.

“Thankfully, they behaved professionally at all times and averted any potential blowout. Elections were conducted in a simple but efficient manner. A roll call of delegates from respective districts/regions/ organizations, their relevant documents checked at the first post, ID card, party membership card constituency cards-then issued with one ballot paper, in the full view of the general public, and directed towards the booth-one after the other- to vote in private” the Network reported.

It went on that: “Counting was done openly in the presence of each candidate’s designated representatives, the PPRC and independent observers like EON-SL. The party’s Parliamentary Leader, whose name was not on the ballot on the day, made a timely passionate intervention when tempers flared up before the chairmanship election.  He appealed to delegates to conduct themselves and address the issues at hand peacefully in the interest of their party and country”.