Sierra Leone’s electoral reform process has taken a significant step forward, with three major policies completed and several institutional reviews nearing conclusion. The updates were presented during an Inter-Agency Meeting hosted by the Tripartite Steering Committee Secretariat (TSCS) in Freetown on Friday, 14 November 2025.
TSCS Coordinator Ngolo Katta said the reforms reflect a nationally owned approach to strengthening the country’s democratic systems.
“The electoral reform is comprehensive. And this is Sierra Leonean generated, Sierra Leonean driven, and Sierra Leonean owned,” he told the meeting. “The administrative and legislative reforms at ECSL, PPRC, ONS and SLBC will help build a governance architecture that shapes our social and political culture while fostering national cohesion.”
The meeting brought together senior officials from the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC), the Public Service Reform Unit (PSRU), the Office of National Security (ONS), the Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC) and the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone (HRCSL).
ECSL Finalises Three Key Policies
Election management bodies reported steady progress on implementing the Tripartite Recommendations. Mr. Katta said management and functional reviews for the PPRC, IMC, SLBC and IPCB had been completed, adding that the findings would support institutional reforms and guide public outreach planned for a nationwide district tour.
ECSL confirmed it had completed three core policies:
Consultation Policy
Temporary Staff Recruitment Policy
Information and Management Policy
The ECSL’s Executive Secretary said two UNDP-hired consultants had begun work on voter registration and the results-management system. Work on a comprehensive electoral calendar and plans to introduce election management and civic education programmes in tertiary institutions is also progressing.
ECSL Deputy Executive Secretary William Ado said several other recommendations would be implemented in 2026.
SLBC Pushes Forward with Legislative and Administrative Reforms
The Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation reported strong momentum in its reform commitments. Director-General Josephine Kamara said nationwide consultations on a new SLBC Act were in their final stages.
A review of SLBC’s administrative structures will be carried out jointly by the Ministry of Information and Civic Education (MoIC) and the Human Resource Management Office (HRMO). A framework on fair airtime allocation during election periods is also being prepared to ensure equity among political parties.
Ms. Kamara added that SLBC had rebuilt its main studio and was pursuing new partnerships with development agencies to improve equipment and strengthen operational capacity.
PPRC Steps Up Public Engagement
The Political Parties Regulation Commission reported ongoing regional consultations with political parties on the census and constitutional review processes. The engagement aims to tackle misinformation, close information gaps and promote wider public participation in national reforms.
ONS Strengthens Election Security Planning
The Office of National Security said it remained on track with its assigned responsibilities. Officials announced that a nationwide election threat assessment will be conducted two years ahead of the next general election to guide security planning.
The Integrated Election Security Planning Committee (IESPC) has now been formalised, and a dedicated head is expected to be appointed soon.
PSRU Prepares to Launch Four More Reviews
The Public Service Reform Unit reported that five management and functional reviews had been completed. ECSL has already begun implementing its review findings, while the remaining four reviews will be publicly launched in the coming weeks.
The Inter-Agency Meeting was supported by the UNDP.
