The Chief Executive Officer of National Elections Watch (NEW) of Sierra Leone: Urged for Patience with the Public on Current Rarities in the ongoing Voter Registration Process

By Abdul Rahman Bangura–

NEW AFRICA DAILY NEWS (NADN) Freetown, Sierra Leone - The National Elections Watch (NEW) Marcela Samba Sesay has exhorted on the public to accept and understanding the current abnormalities experienced in the incessant voter registration process, remarking that, they will engage the Electoral Commission Sierra Leone (ECSL) for timely action.

“NEW encourages the public to exercise patience as we engage the ECSL and other stakeholders to address the current challenges with the registration equipment,” a press statement updating the public about their observation of the process reads in part.

The ECSL last Saturday kicked off the voter registration process for eligible voters ahead of the June 2023 elections in Sierra Leone.

Nonetheless, the first week of the registration process has discerned several criticisms from the public in relation to the efficiency of the process which has been scheduled to end on the 4th of October 2022.

The Press Statement by the election Observation body reported late arrival of registration materials and staff at some centers, lack of proper communication in terms of the centers that will be opened for the first phase, malfunctioning of the registration kits, and the presence of politicians at registration centers to campaign, all happening in the first week.

Thus, NEW called on the ECSL to take act timely in addressing the challenges encountered with the VIU820 and VVK equipment, and undertake an audit of all centers across the country. And assure corrective criteria.

As a means of averting prospective happenings of the problems brought out, the elections observation body proposed that the ECSL begin a pilot testing of all equipment and processes before implementation.

The statement also called on the Political Party Registration Commission (PPRC) to handle and begin again to engage political parties to embrace the provisions in Electoral laws, especially during campaigns.

For New Africa Daily News Abdul Rahman Bangura Reports,  Africa Correspondent