According to the head of delegation, Philip Mensah the organization deployed an election observer mission for the general elections of 7th March 2018 and for the presidential runoff elections of March 31st 2018, adding that the mission formulated its conclusion based on the preliminary findings on the conduct of the electoral process and counting of votes in a fully independent manner in accordance with the United Nations 2005 Principal Declaration for International Electoral Observation.
He said the mission also deployed twenty three electoral experts with proven experiences in African countries in terms of observation and management of elections observation.
The head of delegation also stated that observers were focused on the polling stations, voting and closure of the electoral process, counting and transfer of result for the tallying prior to the announcement of the final result, noting that there were some delays in some polling stations although voters were motivated and waited in orderly queues.
Mensah said as part of their observations, the mission noted that the transparent and consensual nature observed in the conduct of the counting of ballots process, the counting and announcement of partial results in the polling stations; no significant incident of disruption were observed by the security of the polls at the polling stations and that the voting process was conducted in a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere among others good conditions.
He further noted that the mission considered that the presidential elections were free and transparent and appreciated the general peaceful climate in which the elections were conducted.
He added that the mission congratulates all stakeholders including political actors, the incumbent government and the security forces of Sierra Leone for their sense of responsibility throughout the process.
