Office of Chief Minister, PSRU & IFES Partner for Electoral Reform in Sierra Leone

By Amin Kef (Ranger)

In a collaborative effort to strengthen transparency and accountability in Sierra Leone’s electoral system, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed between the Office of the Chief Minister (OCM), the Public Sector Reform Unit (PSRU), and the International Foundation for Electoral Systems (IFES). The agreement was formalized by Mr. Kenei Lamin, Permanent Secretary of the OCM, Mr. Sulaiman Phoray-Musa, Director of the PSRU, and Ms. Clara Cole, IFES Regional Director for Africa.

The partnership marks a significant step towards the implementation of an Independent Management and Functional Review (IMFR) of Sierra Leone’s Electoral Commission and related electoral bodies. This review is part of a broader commitment by the Government of Sierra Leone to ensure the efficient, transparent, and democratic management of electoral processes.

1. Independent Review of Electoral Commission: Under this MOU, the PSRU will collaborate with IFES to conduct a comprehensive assessment of Sierra Leone’s Electoral Commission. This review will aim to identify areas for improvement, ensuring that the Commission is well-equipped to carry out its mandate with integrity and transparency.
2. Technical Support and Joint Assessment: IFES will provide technical assistance to the PSRU in conducting a thorough evaluation of electoral bodies. This collaboration seeks to promote transparency in the electoral process, ensuring that the Electoral Commission operates under the highest standards of accountability.
3. Sustainable Partnership for Reform Implementation: The MOU also establishes an ongoing cooperative framework between IFES and the Steering Committee, chaired by the Chief Minister, to facilitate the implementation of reforms based on the findings of the electoral review.

IFES, a U.S.-based non-governmental organization, is dedicated to promoting democratic governance through technical support for election officials and by encouraging broad participation in the electoral process. As a non-profit under section 501(c)(3) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, IFES has provided expertise and support for electoral processes in several countries, aiming to advance democratic practices worldwide.

This collaboration underscores a shared commitment to democratic development, transparency, and the continued progress of Sierra Leone’s electoral systems.