By Mariama Bundu
A coalition of civil society organisations has strongly defended the National Election Watch (NEW) following remarks made during parliamentary proceedings that questioned the credibility and role of election observers.
NEW’s Rev. James Lahai
In a press statement issued on Saturday, the coalition condemned comments attributed to the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, during the approval of the Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone. The groups expressed concern over statements suggesting that election observers were “trying to fuel conflict” and describing NEW as faceless and lacking credibility.
The coalition rejected what it described as misinformation about NEW’s governance structure, accountability mechanisms, and role in electoral observation. According to the statement, NEW has played a key role in promoting peaceful elections through voter education, independent monitoring, and Parallel Vote Tabulation since 2002.
The groups emphasised that election observers, both domestic and international, are critical partners in the electoral process and should not be portrayed as adversaries to the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone. They warned that such remarks risk undermining collaboration between the Commission and observer organisations ahead of the 2028 general elections.
The coalition reaffirmed NEW’s commitment to working within the law and maintaining its independence and integrity in monitoring future elections. It also highlighted NEW’s regional and international recognition, including its leadership roles within West African and African election observer networks.
The statement concluded by urging Members of Parliament and other stakeholders to recognise the importance of election observers in safeguarding democracy and to ensure that their work is respected and protected.
The press statement was endorsed by over 30 civil society organisations across Sierra Leone, including advocacy groups, women’s organisations, youth networks, labour bodies, and governance-focused institutions.
