U.S Expresses Concerns over Irregularities in the election results announced by ECSL
The U.S Department of State has in a press release issued on Friday July,14, 2023 says how they are concerned about irregularities in the election results announced by the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) wherein the Independent parallel vote tabulations and analyses given by accredited national and international observation missions raise questions about the integrity of the official results. “We call on the government to institute an independent, outside investigation of the elections process and integrate observer recommendations to improve the electoral modalities for future elections”, says the press release issued by the U.S Department of State Spokesman, Mathew Miller.
it is stated how they are also disturbed by reports of intimidation – including death threats – against domestic and international observers, civil society organizations, and ECSL personnel. “We call on all actors to exercise restraint and engage in peaceful dialogue to resolve disputes”, further noting the resolve and determination of Sierra Leoneans who went out to the polls on June 24 to make their voices heard as inspiring. “Free and fair elections are essential for any democracy”, he added, and calls on government and political parties to commit themselves in strengthening democratic institutions to better protect the rights and reflect the aspirations of the people of Sierra Leone. See the Press release below.
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Office of the Spokesperson
For Immediate Release
STATEMENT BY MATTHEW MILLER, SPOKESPERSON
July 14, 2023
On Sierra Leone’s Election
The United States continues to be concerned about irregularities in the election results announced by the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL). Independent parallel vote tabulations and analyses by accredited national and international observation missions raise questions about the integrity of the official results. We call on the government to institute an independent, outside investigation of the elections process and integrate observer recommendations to improve the electoral modalities for future elections.
We are also disturbed by the reports of intimidation – including death threats – against domestic and international observers, civil society organizations, and ECSL personnel. We call on all actors to exercise restraint and engage in peaceful dialogue to resolve disputes.
The resolve and determination of Sierra Leoneans who went out to the polls on June 24 to make their voices heard was inspiring. Free and fair elections are essential for any democracy.
The government and political parties must commit to strengthening democratic institutions to better protect the rights and reflect the aspirations of the people of Sierra Leone.
