By Hassan Solokoh Bockarie
A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has strongly condemned what it described as the “mischaracterisation and misinformation” directed at the National Election Watch (NEW) and its leadership during recent parliamentary proceedings.
In a press release issued on 1 March 2026, the CSOs expressed “grave concerns” over remarks reportedly made by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, during the confirmation and approval of the Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL).
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According to the statement, comments suggesting that election observers “are trying to fuel conflict in this country,” and assertions that NEW is “faceless” and lacks credibility were viewed as attempts to discredit the organisation, its leadership, and its over 400 constituent member organisations nationwide.
“NEW’s leadership, including the Strategic Management Committee (SMC), Regional and District Coordinators and partners, express deep disappointment,” the statement read, adding that the remarks appeared designed to undermine NEW’s work and create unnecessary divisions between the organisation and the ECSL.
The CSOs categorically rejected what they described as misinformation regarding NEW’s governance structures, internal accountability mechanisms, and role in electoral observation. They highlighted the coalition’s contribution to peaceful electoral processes since 2002, including voter education initiatives, Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT), and independent monitoring of the electoral cycle.
“The effectiveness and legitimacy of NEW are evident in its successful monitoring and observation of general elections since 2002, made possible by its broad, active membership and nationwide presence,” the release stated.
The CSOs further emphasised that both local and international election observers are essential partners in the electoral process, not adversaries. They warned that portraying NEW and its partners as opponents of the ECSL risks undermining constructive engagement and collaboration ahead of the 2028 general elections.
The statement noted that Hon. Conteh has previously participated in NEW’s activities and interacted with its membership across the country, underscoring what the CSOs described as the coalition’s history of constructive engagement.
Reaffirming their commitment to collaboration, the CSOs stated that NEW and its partners will continue to fulfil their electoral monitoring role “with integrity and in full accordance with the law” in preparation for the 2028 polls.
“We therefore urge all stakeholders, particularly Members of Parliament, to recognise and appreciate the invaluable contributions of election observers in safeguarding the democratic process,” the statement concluded, adding that election observers are human rights defenders who must be protected by the state.
