The Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) has called on stakeholders to scrutinize its proposed 2025-2029 strategic plan. Chief Electoral Commissioner Edmond Sylvester Alpha made the call at a validation workshop in Bo, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder participation in building a credible electoral institution. The plan aims to reflect the expectations of Sierra Leone's wider democratic community, not just the priorities of the ECSL. Alpha urged participants to assess the plan's practicality, measurability, and relevance.
The validation process provides an opportunity for stakeholders to ask questions about the proposed strategic objectives. Participants are tasked with evaluating whether the strategic goals are realistic and achievable, and whether the proposed indicators can effectively measure progress. The plan was developed through internal assessments, technical consultations, and reviews of previous electoral cycles, including recommendations from domestic and international election observation missions.
The proposed 2025-2029 framework prioritizes institutional and staff development, electoral education and participation, ICT and data management, and constructive engagement with stakeholders. Alpha highlighted the need for stronger public communication and year-round civic and voter education, particularly in addressing electoral misinformation and improving participation of women, young people, and persons with disabilities.
The ECSL Chairman emphasized the importance of modernizing its digital infrastructure, protecting voter data, strengthening cybersecurity, and improving open-data transparency. The Commission previously described stakeholder engagement as crucial in developing its 2025-2029 Strategic Plan, gathering views from political parties, civil society, development partners, and other electoral stakeholders.
Feedback from the validation workshop will inform the final costed strategic document guiding the Commission's operations through 2029. Alpha thanked contributors, including political parties, civil society organizations, development partners, and the technical drafting committee, and called for candid and constructive deliberations.
The ECSL's strategic plan aims to address operational and public-trust challenges facing Sierra Leone's electoral system. Alpha stressed that the plan should reflect the aspirations, standards, and scrutiny of the country's broader democratic ecosystem, not just the voice of the Commission.
The validation workshop in Bo marks a critical step in the development of the ECSL's 2025-2029 Strategic Plan. The Commission's efforts to engage stakeholders and ensure a credible electoral institution demonstrate its commitment to democratic growth and electoral reform in Sierra Leone.
Key points
- The ECSL seeks stakeholder input on its 2025-2029 strategic plan to ensure it reflects the country's democratic community.
