Introduction
The African Women and Children Empowerment Initiative (AWCEI) is closely monitoring the ongoing negotiations aimed at resolving the electoral dispute in Sierra Leone. These negotiations are of utmost importance, not only for the future of Sierra Leone but also for the stability and progress of the entire West African region. The AWCEI recognizes the significance of peaceful, transparent, and fair elections in fostering democracy, social cohesion, and development.
Background
Presidential and parliamentary elections were held in Sierra Leone on June 24, 2023. The incumbent president, Julius Maada Bio, was declared the winner with 56 percent of the vote, and his party, the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP), secured 81 of the 135 elected seats in Parliament. However, the results were disputed by the major opposition party, the All People’s Congress (APC). The APC cited a flawed vote aggregation process that allegedly breached established protocols. These concerns were echoed by international election observers, including the European Union Election Observation Mission and the Carter Center.
Both the APC and international observers have called on Sierra Leone’s electoral commission to publish disaggregated results of the elections for public scrutiny. In the absence of this, the APC is demanding a re-run of the elections. Additionally, it’s important to note that the APC’s parliamentarians have boycotted parliament since the election results were declared.
Mediation Efforts by AU and ECOWAS
The African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have undertaken the vital role of mediating the electoral dispute in Sierra Leone. The mediation process commenced with separate consultations with the APC and the SLPP on October 13 and 14, 2023, respectively, in preparation for formal negotiations set to begin on October 16, 2023.
These negotiations, facilitated by the AU and ECOWAS, offer a critical opportunity for Sierra Leone to resolve its electoral dispute peacefully and in a manner that respects democratic principles and the will of its citizens.
AWCEI’s Perspective
The African Women and Children Empowerment Initiative (AWCEI) wishes to underscore the following key points:
It is essential for all parties involved in the negotiations to uphold democratic principles. Democracy thrives when the will of the people is respected, and electoral processes are transparent and free from irregularities.
The AWCEI joins the international community in urging Sierra Leone’s electoral commission to ensure transparency by publishing the disaggregated results of the elections. This step is crucial in addressing the concerns raised by the APC and international observers.
The AWCEI emphasizes the importance of a peaceful resolution to the electoral dispute. Sierra Leone has a history of conflict, and it is in the interest of its people to prevent any escalation of tension or violence. Dialogue and negotiation should be the primary means to resolve disputes.
The negotiations should foster inclusivity by involving a broad spectrum of stakeholders. Furthermore, the outcome of these negotiations should contribute to national reconciliation and unity in Sierra Leone.
All parties involved should respect the rule of law and the institutions responsible for upholding it. This includes respecting the decisions and recommendations of the electoral commission and the courts, as well as any agreements reached through mediation.
Conclusion
The African Women and Children Empowerment Initiative (AWCEI) encourages all parties involved in the negotiations to prioritize the best interests of the people of Sierra Leone. We hope that the mediation efforts by the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) will lead to a just and peaceful resolution to the electoral dispute, ensuring that the true aspirations of the people are upheld.
Sierra Leone has made significant progress in recent years, and we believe that a peaceful and fair resolution to the electoral dispute is vital for the country’s continued development and stability.
The AWCEI remains committed to supporting initiatives that empower women and children in Sierra Leone and across the African continent. We look forward to the successful resolution of this dispute and the advancement of democratic values in Sierra Leone.
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Disclaimer: This report represents the perspective of the African Women and Children Empowerment Initiative (AWCEI) and does not necessarily reflect the views of the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), or any other organization involved in the mediation efforts in Sierra Leone.
