EU Election Observation Mission Calls on Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone to Promptly Publish Disaggregated Results

MONROVIA – The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) has urged the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) to promptly publish disaggregated results data at the polling station level, emphasizing the need for transparency and public scrutiny. The EU EOM has been closely monitoring the ongoing electoral process in Sierra Leone, including the tabulation of results for parliamentary and local council elections.

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By Lennart Dodoo, [email protected]

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In a Preliminary Statement released on June 26, the EU EOM expressed concerns about the lack of transparency during the reception of sensitive materials and the early stages of result tabulation in regional tally centers. The mission’s observers were unable to meaningfully observe the verification of result forms for the presidential election. Additionally, the ECSL did not release information regarding corrections and cancellations of polling station results, hindering the transparency of the results management process.

The EU EOM has identified statistical inconsistencies between the first and second batches of presidential results published by the ECSL on June 26 and 27, respectively. These inconsistencies include notable discrepancies in the average number of valid votes per polling station, with some regions showing a decrease of 75 percent in valid votes while others reported an increase of 31 percent. Furthermore, the results indicated an unusually low number of invalid ballots nationwide, as well as exceptionally high voter turnout in several districts, exceeding 95 percent in at least three districts and 90 percent in two others. Independent citizen observers have also noted these statistical irregularities.

To alleviate tensions and restore public confidence, the EU EOM has called on the ECSL to promptly publish disaggregated results data at the polling station level, including copies of result forms. This would allow for public scrutiny of the results and ensure transparency and certainty in the electoral process.

The EU EOM has encouraged all stakeholders to address their grievances peacefully through dialogue and by utilizing the prescribed legal mechanisms. The mission has been present in Sierra Leone since May 11 and will continue to observe the tabulation of results and post-election developments. In the coming months, the EU EOM will present its final report, which will include recommendations for improving the electoral framework in Sierra Leone.