By Fatima Kpaka
Freetown, July 9, 2026: Sierra Leone’s Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alusine Sesay, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to implementing electoral reforms recommended by the Tripartite Committee, after hosting a high-level meeting with the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion (ICPNC), the National Moral Guarantors of the Agreement for National Unity, and representatives of the All People’s Congress (APC).
The meeting, held in Freetown on Wednesday, reviewed progress on reforms already implemented, considered updates on those still underway, and agreed on a clear roadmap for their continued rollout. Sesay emphasized that the process is guided by dialogue, consensus, and the national interest, with the ultimate goal of strengthening Sierra Leone’s democratic institutions.
Key Outcomes
- Progress review: Stakeholders assessed reforms already completed and those pending.
- Roadmap agreement: A timeline was adopted to accelerate implementation before the December 2026 deadline.
- Commitment reaffirmed: All parties pledged to uphold dialogue and consensus in advancing reforms.
Recommendations of the Tripartite Committee
The Tripartite Committee, established under the Agreement for National Unity, made sweeping proposals to improve Sierra Leone’s electoral system:
Electoral Commission (ECSL)
- Consultation framework: ECSL must adopt a formal consultation policy with political stakeholders.
- Transparency in regulations: All electoral regulations to be published within 48 hours in the Gazette and online.
- Audit compliance: ECSL must comply with the Audit Services Act and share audited accounts with political parties.
- Electoral cycle calendar: ECSL to publish a full electoral cycle calendar within 12 months of presidential elections.
Institutional Reforms
- Functional review: Independent review of ECSL operations, including staff recruitment, training, and diversity.
- Operational plans: Regulations to specify timelines and formats for voter registration and election plans.
Governance & Oversight
- Political Parties Regulation Commission: Strengthen oversight of party registration and dispute resolution.
- Media institutions: Ensure balanced coverage, strengthen SLBC independence, and regulate misinformation.
- Police accountability: Enhance impartiality in handling election-related security complaints.
The reforms are designed to boost public trust in electoral outcomes; reduce political tensions by ensuring fairness and transparency; trengthen democratic institutions against authoritarian tendencies; and promote peace and stability through accountable governance