Caritas Freetown Lauds EU Commitment to Support Credible Elections in Sierra Leone

In his response, Fr. Konteh has urged Sierra Leoneans to utilize the support given by the EU to elect credible leaders.

The EU support, the Sierra Leonean Catholic Priest says, should give every citizen in the country the opportunity to reflect on their duty and responsibility in the electoral process.

“Our collaboration as a country with the EU should be based on a strong democracy, with free, transparent, peaceful, credible, multi-party, and multi-candidate elections,” he says.

In his response note, the Caritas Freetown Executive Director highlights the need for Sierra Leoneans to exercise their duty to vote.

He says, “Voting is not only a fundamental right but also a responsibility that helps to shape the future of your country. By casting your vote, you are actively participating in the democratic process and making your voice heard.”

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The member of the Clergy of the Archdiocese of Freetown who has been vocal about Sierra Leonean general elections is urging his compatriots to “do the homework” on all political candidates to identify suitable leaders ahead of the voting day.

“Before the election, it is important to stay informed about the candidates and their platforms,” Fr. Konteh says, and adds, “Research the candidates' backgrounds, qualifications, and track records to determine who you believe is the best fit for the job. Attend campaign events, debates, and town hall meetings to hear the candidates' perspectives on the issues that matter to you.”

The EU’s project, “Fostering Peaceful, Credible and Inclusive Elections in Sierra Leone 2022-2023” is implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with contributions from Ireland and from the union. 

The other implementing partner is the ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) Regional Programme “Peace and Security Architecture and Operations” with contributions from Germany and from the EU.

The union has described its support to the Sierra Leonean general elections as “strictly non-partisan and aimed at building the institutional capacity of electoral management bodies and civil society organizations for effective, inclusive, and peaceful electoral operations.”

It says that the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), the country’s Political Parties Regulation Commission (PPRC), the Police, and the Judiciary are among the beneficiaries of EU-funded technical assistance implemented by ECOWAS and UNDP, among other supporting agencies.

“EU supports Civil Society Organisations as good governance and development actors and therefore promotes domestic observation and citizens’ engagement in support of the inclusion of youth, women, and people living with disability in electoral processes, as well as community-based conflict prevention and mediation,” the union in Sierra Leone says in the February 27 report.

Meanwhile, Fr. Konteh has called on the people of God in Sierra Leone to observe calm before, during, and after the June 24 elections.

“On election day, make sure you know where your polling station is located and bring any necessary identification documents. Be patient and respectful of other voters, and follow all the rules and regulations of the polling station. If you encounter any issues or irregularities, report them to the appropriate authorities,” the Caritas official in Sierra Leone has said. 

He has added, “After the election, accept the results and respect the outcome, even if your preferred candidate did not win.”

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“Remember that democracy depends on the peaceful transfer of power, and it is the responsibility of all citizens to support the democratic process and work towards a better future for Sierra Leone,” Fr. Konteh has said.

Agnes Aineah is a Kenyan journalist with a background in digital and newspaper reporting. She holds a Master of Arts in Digital Journalism from the Aga Khan University, Graduate School of Media and Communications and a Bachelor's Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communications from Kenya's Moi University. Agnes currently serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.