The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Office of the Chief Minister, last week held a crucial meeting of the Tripartite Steering Committee to review progress on the implementation of electoral reforms.
Chaired by the Chief Minister, the meeting emphasized the government’s commitment to strengthening democratic accountability and institutions ahead of future elections.
The Tripartite Steering Committee was established after the 2023 electoral impasse to identify weaknesses in the electoral system and propose reforms for credible and transparent elections.
Following a Cabinet directive in July 2024, the Chief Minister was tasked with overseeing the reform process, with technical support from the Public Sector Reform Unit (PSRU).
During the meeting, representatives from the Committee Secretariat, PSRU, the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL), and the Office of the Attorney General presented updates on the progress. PSRU reported that 37% of the reform recommendations have been completed, 47% are currently in progress, while 16% are yet to be started.
Attorney General Alpha Sesay detailed significant legal reforms, including renaming the Electoral Commission, establishing a nine-member selection committee with inclusive representation, and introducing new eligibility criteria consistent with the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act. These measures aim to improve transparency and promote merit-based appointments.
The Committee also reviewed ongoing partnerships with media and civil society groups such as the Independent Radio Network (IRN), Truth and Development Society (TDS), Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), and Media Reform Coordinating Group (MRCG). These collaborations support public education, dialogue, and media law reforms essential to the electoral process.
Consultations led by the Independent Monitoring Committee (IMC) and PSRU continue to inform inclusive reforms under key recommendations. The meeting reinforced President Julius Maada Bio’s governance agenda and the country’s national commitment to delivering credible, transparent, and inclusive elections in the future.
