The National Election Watch (NEW) has congratulated the National Electoral Commission and the political parties for a successful and well organized process, resulting in responsible and mature conduct by the respective groups and their leadership.
In its 8th national meeting in Koidu Town, Kono District, bringing together district and regional coordinators and the strategic management committee, to discuss the Presidential and Parliamentary nomination process, NEW observed that the overall Presidential and Parliamentary nomination process was well organized by the staff of the National Electoral Commission and had cooperation from all political parties.
NEW observed the security presence was adequate with domestic observers from NEW well represented. NEC arranged the process in consultation with political parties resulting in a widely acclaimed transparent and accountable process thereby reducing tensions.
Following this achievement, NEW urges political parties and their supporters to exercise the level of tolerance exhibited in this process in the same manner during the political campaign period and polling day. Adherence to the Code of Conduct of the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC) and the Code of Ethics with NEC in their campaign regime is important for the sustenance of peace and security in Sierra Leone.
NEW condemns the violence which resulted during the campaigning process in the incidences recorded in Bo District and Western area of Freetown.
NEW calls on the PPRC, NEC, all political parties and the Sierra Leone Police to meet and develop a process that will enhance political participation in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility.
NEW has also completed the development of their thirty days operational plan with detailed activity plan that will encourage a credible process. The National Election Watch (NEW), a domestic coalition of civic and professional groups as well as international and local NGOs, is focusing on civil society oversight of the national electoral process. NEW has been observing the national electoral process implemented by the National Electoral Commission (NEC), holding eight national meetings and issuing press statements and reports to validate NEC’s processes to ensure the process is a free one. NEW is grateful to the Department for International Development DFID, Canada Fund for local initiatives and National Democratic Institute NDI for their support.
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