President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has officially received the 2024 Annual Report of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), reaffirming his commitment to implementing all recommended electoral reforms aimed at strengthening democratic governance in the country.
The report, presented by Chief Electoral Commissioner and ECSL Chairman Mohamed K. Konneh at State House, outlines the Commission’s key activities, achievements, and challenges during the 2020–2024 electoral cycle. It also provides a detailed financial account and updates on the implementation of the Commission’s Strategic Plan, as mandated by Section 32(12) of the 1991 Constitution.
In his presentation, Mr. Konneh praised President Bio for upholding the independence and neutrality of the Commission. He highlighted the introduction of the Proportional Representation (PR) system in the 2023 general elections as a landmark reform that enhanced political inclusivity and met the 30% quota for women in elected positions.
Konneh described the 2023 elections as peaceful, free, fair, and reflective of the people’s will. He noted that the PR system has proven cost-effective, saving the government over NLe19 million through the party-list method used to fill 14 post-election vacancies, while also reducing the risk of electoral violence.
Looking ahead, Konneh said 2024 has been a year of consolidation for the Commission, which is now reviewing its strategies in preparation for the 2025–2029 electoral cycle. He reaffirmed the ECSL’s dedication to professionalism and stakeholder engagement to maintain electoral integrity.
Responding, President Bio expressed gratitude to the ECSL leadership and staff for their work under challenging conditions and emphasized his belief in democratic processes. He pledged to thoroughly review the ECSL report alongside other key reform documents, including the Tripartite Committee Report and the Independent Management and Functional Review of ECSL.
“I am committed to ensuring that the reform recommendations are implemented in line with our laws,” President Bio said. “Every step we take must strengthen our democracy.”
The President assured the public of his continued dedication to constitutional governance and democratic consolidation as Sierra Leone prepares for future electoral cycles.
