A Sustained Commitment From The NDI Towards Sierra Leone's Democracy - Dr. Chris Fomunyoh

_{Dr Fomunyoh expressed hope that NEW's recommendations would be incorporated into the committee's work, eventually leading to an electoral system that all citizens embrace.}

Dr. Chris Fomunyoh, the Senior Associate For Africa And Regional Director at the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs (NDI), has disclosed that the institute dispatched more than 3000 observers to Sierra Leone during the 2023 elections.

In June 2023, Sierra Leone conducted its presidential election with 13 candidates vying for the position. Ultimately, President Bio secured re-election, securing a second and final five-year term in office.

Speaking during the launch of the National Election Watch (NEW) 2023 Election Cycle Report themed Building an Electoral Reform Agenda in Sierra Leone, Dr Fomunyoh further revealed that the organization provided technical assistance to NEW and deployed long-term observers during pre and post-election periods.

Dr. Fomunyoh praised NEW's commitment to fostering democracy and ensuring credible elections in Sierra Leone. He expressed NDI's pride in working with NEW and other stakeholders to improve the country's democratic institutions and practices.

"National Democratic Institute has worked alongside civil union Democrats across party lines within civil society and with citizen observers to strengthen their democratic institutions and practices, as well as to advocate for inclusive meetings, meaningful and credible elections. In 2023, NDI provided technical assistance to new as it deployed long term observers in the pre and post election periods, and well over 3000 observers on Election Day," said Dr. Fomunyoh.

He also highlighted NEW's use of the Process and Results Verification for Transparency methodology, which has established NEW as a leading observer group not only in Sierra Leone but throughout the African continent and beyond.

He emphasized the importance of stakeholders, such as legislators and policymakers, using the report to improve Sierra Leone's electoral processes.

"The report that's about to be released is a summary of findings and recommendations based on its work. We're extremely confident that this report will be put to use by all stakeholders, including legislators and policymakers so that sierra Leone can continue to strengthen its electoral processes," he added.

Since the report's release coincides with Sierra Leone's Independent Cross-Party Committee on Electoral Systems and Management Bodies Review, Fomunyoh expressed hope that NEW's recommendations would be incorporated into the committee's work, eventually leading to an electoral system that all citizens embrace.