Freetown, May 05 2025
The Attorney-General, the Tripartite Secretariat Coordinator, and representatives from International IDEA recently held a crucial meeting to review the technical framework for implementing Recommendation 78 of the Tripartite Report, which addresses Sierra Leone’s electoral system.
The meeting outlined inclusive plans for five regional consultations and a national dialogue, engaging every sector of society through focus group discussions, expert panels, and presentations. The process will also involve recruiting international and local facilitators to lead the national discourse on choosing between the District Proportional Representation and the First-Past-the-Post electoral systems.
The Attorney-General, Alpha Sesay, emphasized the importance of this process, stating:
“Sierra Leone has to make this deliberate choice. The public must determine the framework for casting their votes and selecting their representatives. Our democracy must be driven by the collective decision of those governed by it.”
A specialized team of eight lawyers, including an international legal expert funded by International IDEA, has been constituted to draft legislative provisions aligning with the electoral reforms. The legal drafting process is scheduled to be completed within three months.
Ngolo Katta, Coordinator of the Tripartite Steering Committee Secretariat (TSCS), highlighted the ongoing preparatory mini-consultations with institutions and stakeholders such as political parties, professional groups, civil society organizations, media, and private sector actors. He noted these discussions will set the stage for broader public engagement and ensure an informed national dialogue.
Despite the ambitious agenda, Katta candidly acknowledged challenges related to funding and logistics. At a recent briefing with development partners at the UN, he stressed:
“The government has provided seed money for the Secretariat, and work is progressing. However, the process is demanding, the views are diverse and enriching, but adequate funding remains critical to keep momentum.”
In meetings with the UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, Katta secured strong expressions of support, reinforcing the UN’s role as a key partner aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF).
The Office of the Chief Minister, which chairs the Tripartite Steering Committee, continues to mobilize development partners to fund the process. International IDEA remains actively involved, emphasizing the value an international facilitator will bring in elevating the dialogue’s credibility.
