Report to be launched soon
Brief Commentary
In response to growing concerns about democracy in West Africa and the Sahel, prioritizing transparency, accountability, and accuracy in electoral processes becomes imperative. The Council of Progressives, committed to advancing Sierra Leone’s progress, has undertaken a review of the June 2023 election results published by the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL). This review stems from glaring inconsistencies and anomalies observed throughout the electoral process, from pre-election phases to result announcements.
The impetus for undertaking this review arises from two primary factors. First and foremost, there were allegations of secrecy in the tabulation process, leading to compromised election results, stifling of opposition voices, logistical issues causing diminished turnout in opposition strongholds, and inconsistencies in the reported election outcomes. Secondly, the aftermath of the 2023 elections has encountered substantial criticism from both local and international observers concerning the transparency of the tabulation process. Concerns have been voiced regarding statistical inconsistencies, potential exaggeration of results, and irregularities, all of which have the potential to erode public trust in the electoral system.
Data Sources and Motivation for Review:
The study relies on data from two main sources: published information and direct data acquisition from the ECSL website, encompassing voter registration details, polling center-specific voter counts, 2023 multi-tier elections data, and analyses of polling station information. The motivation for this review arises from allegations of secrecy in the tabulation process, leading to flawed results, opposition suppression, logistical challenges causing low turnout, and overall inconsistencies. Criticisms from local and international observers regarding transparency and potential irregularities further fueled the need for this comprehensive analysis.
Concerns and Anomalies
Results Discrepancies: The ECSL’s decision not to release results at the polling station level is questioned due to noticeable irregularities. For instance, the voter registration in Western Area Rural significantly increased from 3.58% in 2007 to 10.13% in 2023, while Western Area Urban saw a decrease from 20.12% in 2018 to 17.73% in 2023.
Turnout and Performance Shifts: The study identifies a departure from historical trends, as SLPP Parliamentary candidates in perceived opposition strongholds outperformed Presidential votes in the 2023 elections. Additionally, there is a notable shift in voting patterns between the first and second result batches, with concerns raised about potential tampering or manipulation.
Over-voting: Clear evidence of over-voting in certain districts is identified, with the ECSL announcing results without nullifying or rerunning affected areas, in violation of Section 84 of the Public Election Act, 2022.
Low Invalid Votes: An unusually low number of invalid votes raises concerns about potential interference with the voting process, suggesting a possible attempt to manipulate the election outcome.
Presidential vs. Legislature Elections: Significant inconsistencies are noted in voter turnout during simultaneous Presidential and Legislative Elections, raising suspicions of potential manipulation or interference in the voting process.
The Council of Progressives hopes this report will serve as a guide for future investigations into Sierra Leone’s electoral processes and bodies, particularly for the tripartite committee recommended in the dialogue between APC and the Government of Sierra Leone. The report is based solely on officially sanctioned data, analyzing inconsistencies revealed in ECSL publications and aiming to address the information gap left by the dialogue between the government and the opposition. The Council emphasizes the need for transparency to bolster public trust and safeguard democratic principles.
The Council of Progressives is a dynamic assembly of individuals boasting diverse expertise and a shared commitment to conducting thorough research on various governance issues. Rooted in Sierra Leone, this entity is genuinely dedicated to advancing the nation’s progress. The council strives to contribute significantly to public policy discussions by providing comprehensive research and analysis. It actively advocates for policies that foster transparency, accountability, and effective governance within the country. It engages in shaping public policy discussions, leveraging its members’ diverse backgrounds and skills to provide informed perspectives on key governance issues.