By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a Press Release dated 3rd May, 2023, it was stated that in response to the invitation by the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone, the European Union will deploy an EU Election Observation Mission (EOM) to observe the general elections scheduled for 24 June 2023.
Further stated was that the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, has appointed Evin Incir, Member of the European Parliament, as Chief Observer of the 2023 EU EOM to Sierra Leone.
It was also included that the EU previously deployed EOMs to Sierra Leone in 2018, 2012, 2007 and 2002, as well as an Election Follow-up Mission in 2021.
The High Representative, Josep Borrell, said: “Over the last 21 years, Sierra Leoneans have built a hard-won peace. The forthcoming elections will be crucial for the future of the country as well as for the West Africa region. The EU, with the deployment of an Electoral Observation Mission for the fifth time, confirms its long-term commitment to supporting competitive, transparent and peaceful elections in Sierra Leone. Under the leadership of Chief Observer Incir, the EU EOM will provide an independent, evidence-based assessment of the electoral process and its final report will be an important contribution to Sierra Leone’s efforts and aspirations to strengthening its democracy.”
The Chief Observer, Evin Incir has this to say:“It is a great honour for me to lead this Election Observation Mission, which I assume with a great sense of responsibility. I look forward to engaging with various electoral stakeholders and trust that state authorities, political parties and candidates will play their part in promoting inclusive, credible and peaceful elections.”
