International Observers from different organizations who observed the March 7th polls has extolled the credible and peaceful conduct of the polls across the country.
They cited in their respective preliminary reports that, although the campaign period was marred by lack of trust, intimidation and increasing violence this was not a barrier towards the peaceful conduct of the polls.
‘’We perceive the electoral environment on Election Day as very conducive and a free exercise of the peoples franchise and basic freedoms ‘’ the observers went on.
The march polls were jointly observed by top International Observers Organizations such as : the Commonwealth Observation Group, headed by former Ghanaian president, John Duramani Mahama, European Union Election Observation mission (EU /EOM),headed by Jean Lambert and the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA) headed by former Nigerian president his Excellency Goodluck Jonathan .
All three leaders commended the people of Sierra Leone on behalf of their respective organizations for a peaceful and orderly manner in which the voting and counting process was conducted across the country.
Our observers, the preliminary reports states, reported that these elections were very inclusive. ‘’We witnessed the participation of the elderly and disabled voters and we were encouraged by the presence of women and youth as voters and officials.’’…. This participatory approach augurs well for Sierra Leone’s democracy and development. Stated Mr. Mahama head commonwealth observation Group.
The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) also issued it preliminary statement on the March polls. They stated that despite numerous challenges, the National Electoral Commission delivered what is assessed so far by the EU/OM as a transparent, credible and well organized electoral process.
‘’Sierra Leonean voters demonstrated their will to consolidate democracy in their country.’’… ‘’They contributed in ensuring the orderly conduct of the election and the presence of party agents and many domestic observers strengthened the overall confidence in the electoral process.” Jean Lambert the chief observer of the (EU EUM) and member of the European parliament (MEP) disclosed.
The EU/OM observer group also stressed that voters had a genuine choice of political parties in a widened political spectrum. The police according to their preliminary report played a constructive role in managing crowds at polling centers, but they frowned at the Police action and appearance at the main opposition party’s situation room on late Wednesday afternoon which they described as disproportionate and could have been interpreted as provocation.
The EU/OM Chief calls upon the police to exercise their duties in an impartial proportionate manner and duly investigate all acts of violence.
Another mission that observed the polls was the Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA). The EISA Election Observation Mission (EOM) comprised of 12 short term observers (STOs) who were deployed in Bo, Freetown, Kenema, Makeni, and Port Loko. They joined other observers in commending the people of Sierra Leone for turning out in large numbers to register their will.
The EISA EOM noted the efforts of the different institutions in guarantying the integrity of the elections. The head of the EISA team also commented on election Day, as according to them voter turnout was impressive and the conduct of polling personnel was professional. They reported that were technical glitches that necessitated the postponement of elections in 18 polling stations.
‘’Election day proceeded in a largely peaceful manner albeit with isolated incidents that were immediately addressed’’.
They urged the people of Sierra Leone to remain calm while they await the pronouncement of results.
‘’We call on political leaders to show true leadership by respecting the rule of law throughout the results tally process. ‘’The report concluded.