The Civil Human Rights Defenders International (CHRDI) has disqualified the All People's Congress (APC) flagbearer poll after detecting voting irregularities. According to CHRDI, the irregularities involved the use of a voting tool from outside Sierra Leone, which raised concerns about the reliability of the results. The organisation stated that it could not establish any link between the activity and the campaign teams of candidates listed on the platform.
CHRDI acknowledged that WhatsApp polls have limitations, including the inability to independently verify voters' identities or prevent bulk voting. This raised concerns about the credibility of the process, prompting CHRDI to declare the APC flagbearer poll disqualified. The organisation emphasised that the decision was intended to protect the credibility of the process rather than favour any candidate.
The organisation accepted responsibility for placing its trust in the platform and announced that it would conduct an audit of the SLPP voting process to ensure fairness and transparency. CHRDI also stated that it was consulting on ways to strengthen the process and prevent external interference. A new, more inclusive platform with a wider reach is expected to be announced soon.
CHRDI thanked all the candidates and their supporters who participated in the poll. The organisation's decision to disqualify the APC flagbearer poll was made to ensure the integrity of the process. CHRDI's actions aim to promote transparency and fairness in Sierra Leone's electoral processes.
The disqualification of the APC flagbearer poll highlights the importance of ensuring the credibility of electoral processes in Sierra Leone. CHRDI's efforts to strengthen the process and prevent external interference are crucial in promoting trust in the country's electoral system. The organisation's actions demonstrate its commitment to upholding human rights and promoting democratic values.
CHRDI's decision to conduct an audit of the SLPP voting process is a positive step towards ensuring fairness and transparency. The organisation's willingness to consult on ways to strengthen the process and prevent external interference is also commendable. These actions demonstrate CHRDI's dedication to promoting electoral integrity in Sierra Leone.
The incident highlights the need for electoral bodies to be vigilant in monitoring electoral processes. CHRDI's actions serve as a reminder of the importance of ensuring the credibility of electoral processes. The organisation's commitment to promoting transparency and fairness in Sierra Leone's electoral processes is essential in promoting trust in the country's democratic institutions.
Key points
- CHRDI disqualified the APC flagbearer poll due to voting irregularities detected during the process.
- The organisation will conduct an audit of the SLPP voting process to ensure fairness and transparency.
- A new, more inclusive platform with a wider reach is expected to be announced soon.
