In Sierra Leone, electoral justice has long been a subject of intense debate. With accusations of voter fraud, rigged elections, political violence, and a judiciary often seen as biased, the question arises: How far has Sierra Leone come in achieving true electoral justice?
Understanding Electoral Justice
Electoral justice refers to the mechanisms that guarantee that electoral processes comply with the law, and that any violations or disputes are addressed fairly. It involves:
The independence of electoral management bodies (EMBs).
- A fair and transparent legal framework for elections.The impartiality of the judiciary in resolving disputes.
- Free access to election-related information for all political parties and citizens.
- Accountability mechanisms to prevent and punish electoral malpractice.
Without these pillars, elections become mere formalities rather than genuine exercises in democracy. The real question in Sierra Leone today is: Does our electoral system truly reflect these principles?
Sierra Leone’s Troubled Electoral History:
Since gaining independence in 1961, Sierra Leone’s elections have been marred by allegations of fraud, vote manipulation, and political violence. The country’s two main political parties—the All People’s Congress (APC) and the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP)—have both been accused of manipulating electoral outcomes when in power.
1970s–1990s: One-Party Rule and Electoral Manipulations:
During Siaka Stevens’ rule under the APC, elections became a mere formality, as Sierra Leone transitioned into a one-party state in 1978. Opposition voices were crushed, and electoral justice was non-existent. The return to multi-party democracy in the 1990s brought hope, but elections continued to be marred by irregularities.
2007–2012: A Step Forward?
The 2007 elections, which saw Ernest Bai Koroma of the APC defeat the incumbent SLPP, were widely seen as a step forward in Sierra Leone’s democratic journey. The peaceful transfer of power was a sign of progress. However, the 2012 elections were tainted by accusations of state institutions favoring the ruling party.
2018 Elections: Electoral Justice Put to the Test:
In 2018, Julius Maada Bio won the presidency under the SLPP after a hotly contested race. The opposition APC raised concerns over alleged voter suppression and irregularities. Despite these claims, the courts upheld the results, though many APC supporters believed the judiciary was biased.
2023 Elections: A Return to Electoral Injustice?
The 2023 elections have become one of the most controversial in Sierra Leone’s recent history. The opposition and civil society organizations accused the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL) of:
Lack of transparency in vote tallying:
- Refusal to release polling station results for independent verification.
- Alleged voter intimidation and suppression in opposition strongholds.
Favouritism towards the ruling SLPP:
The APC rejected the election results and demanded electoral reforms. The issue remains unresolved, raising concerns about whether Sierra Leone is moving forward or backward in terms of electoral justice.
The Role of the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL):
A fair election depends on an independent and transparent electoral management body. The ECSL is responsible for organizing and overseeing elections, ensuring that they are free and fair. However, its neutrality has been questioned over the years.
Critics argue that the ECSL often serves the interests of the ruling government rather than acting as an impartial referee. The 2023 election controversy further damaged its credibility. If the body responsible for electoral fairness is itself seen as compromised, then the entire system is in jeopardy.
For electoral justice to be realized, the ECSL must:
- Ensure full transparency in election management.
- Release all election data for public scrutiny.
- Be truly independent from the government.
- Allow equal participation of all political parties in decision-making processes.
- Judicial Independence and Election Disputes
In any democratic country, the judiciary serves as the final arbiter in electoral disputes. However, Sierra Leone’s judiciary has often been accused of bias, particularly when ruling on politically sensitive cases.
A Judiciary under political influence?
Many opposition members believe that the judiciary favours the ruling party. Court rulings on election petitions, especially in parliamentary disputes, often seem to benefit the government. This has led to a loss of trust in the judiciary’s ability to ensure electoral justice.
If citizens believe that election disputes cannot be resolved fairly in the courts, it undermines democracy itself. Reforming the judiciary to guarantee true independence is crucial for restoring faith in electoral justice.
Electoral Violence and Political Intimidation:
Elections in Sierra Leone have frequently been accompanied by violence, intimidation, and voter suppression. The fear of political violence discourages participation, especially among opposition supporters.
Key concerns include:
- Police brutality against opposition protests.
- Political thuggery and intimidation of voters.
- Partisan use of security forces to suppress dissent.
- Unfair arrests and legal actions against opposition members.
Electoral justice requires a level playing field. If citizens fear violence or persecution for exercising their voting rights, then democracy is at risk.
The Role of International Observers:
International observers, such as the European Union (EU), African Union (AU), and ECOWAS, play a vital role in assessing the credibility of elections. Their reports on Sierra Leone’s elections have repeatedly highlighted areas of concern, including:
- The lack of transparency in vote counting.
- Intimidation of opposition supporters.
- Unfair advantages enjoyed by the ruling party.
Despite these reports, the government has often ignored recommendations for reform. This unwillingness to improve the system further damages electoral justice.
The Way Forward: Achieving True Electoral Justice:
If Sierra Leone is to strengthen its democracy, major reforms are needed to guarantee electoral justice. These reforms must include:
Reforming the ECSL- ensuring it operates with full transparency and independence. Judicial Independence- judges must be free from political influence and ensure fair rulings in electoral disputes.
Electoral Reforms- ensuring clearer laws and stronger penalties for electoral malpractice.
Equal Access to State Media: All political parties must be given equal media coverage.
Accountability for Electoral Violence: Those responsible for voter intimidation must face justice.
Civic Education: Voters must be educated on their rights and how to report electoral fraud.
How Far Have We Come?
Sierra Leone has made progress in conducting elections, but electoral justice remains a challenge. The 2023 elections exposed deep flaws in the system, including a lack of transparency, judicial bias, and political intimidation.
For democracy to thrive, electoral justice must be non-negotiable. If elections continue to be manipulated, voter confidence will erode, and the country risks descending into political instability.
The people of Sierra Leone must demand true electoral justice, holding leaders accountable and ensuring that every vote truly counts. Until then, the question remains: How far have we really come? Not far enough.