When, on 31st March 2018, the West Africa Network for Peace building (WANEP), supported by the United States Agency for International Development in West Africa (USAIC/WA) and partners, reopened its Election Situation Room (ESR) at the Radisson Blu/Mammy Yoko Hotel, the peace building body advised political parties to do everything in maintaining peace.
In that meet, the Sierra Leone media and other international observers converged to get information regarding the set up of polling stations and responses to emerging incidents across the districts in Sierra Leone when the polls were conducted. The reports were provided by 500 local observers assigned to districts identified by NEWS hotspot mapping across the country.
The ESR is part of a broader programme designed to mitigate election violence in West Africa through National Early Warning Systems (NEWS).
According to Eminent Persons Group (EPG), some incidents arising from various polling stations include certain stations opening later than the stipulated time of 7am and an initial turnout of voters, which later gradually improved.
There were reported cases of unstamped ballot papers in some polling stations and an instance of military personnel removing NEC officials allegedly involved in electoral malpractices.
Following the reported incidents, the EPG observed that, the relevant stakeholders, including NEC, the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and political parties, should take necessary steps to address the issues swiftly. They reiterated the need for political parties and Sierra Leoneans to continue to exercise patience during and after the polls.
They emphasized the absolute importance of being peaceful and law abiding until the electioneering process is concluded.
In the afternoon of the 31st day of March 2018, WANEP hosted another press conference where the EPG addressed the media about the latest events during the polls that day.
In addition to ensuring that ESR’s focus is mainly centered on observing threats to the peaceful conduct of the electioneering process and providing strategic responses to prevent and mitigate election related incidents that have the potential to erupt into violence and public disorder, the ESR also observed the incidences that occurred on polling day.
They indicated that even though the general atmosphere remained calm, other incidents were reported from the polling stations. They were additions to the reports in the afternoon of the same day.
The ESR detailed allegations of interference with the voting process by government functionaries at some polling stations in Bonthe and Western Urban, heavy military presence in such areas as Bonthe, Western Urban, Kambia and Kenema. These incidents allegedly created an atmosphere of fear and intimidation.
Instances of National Election Watch observers being denied access to some polling stations in Tonkolili and pre-marking of ballot papers were also highlighted.
In spite of calling on institutions like NEC, SLP, ONS and some government officials, WANEP Situation Room also urged the relevant stakeholders to continue the dialogue with NEC and security forces and to ensure supporters remain peaceful and law abiding.
1st April 2018 was the last and final day of WANEP and the press meeting. During that day, which commenced around 5:30pm, the EPG captured most of the happenings during the March 31st 2018 polls.
Among additional occurrences were incidents of violence and standoffs between political parties supporters in some areas in the Western Urban and Kono after the close of the polls, campaigning around some polling stations in Kono and vehicles with concealed registration plates with or without accreditation were seen plying the roads especially between Aberdeen and Lumley.
In conclusion, the ESR of WANEP acknowledged the role of the international Election Observation Missions and the Diplomatic Community for monitoring and observing the electoral process, the efforts of the Election Management Bodies, including the security sector, civil society organizations for their contribution towards a relatively peaceful runoff election.
The ESR of WANEP was not oblivious of commending the two political parties in the presidential runoff election. They however took exception to the various incidents of violence, mudslinging, hate speech and intimidation that marred the campaign period.
WANEP ESR and Eminent Persons Group officials included Dr Isata Mahoi, Dr Fatu Taqi, Valnora Edwin of Campaign for Good Governance, Rev. Tamba Charles, Michaella Mackay, Rev. Gibrilla Kargbo, Sheik Abubakarr Conteh and other personalities.