The Commonwealth Observers group have disclosed in a Press briefing today, held at the Bintumani International Conference Centre, that their arrival and stay in Sierra Leone is to observe the coming elections and make recommendations based on those observations.
According to the Chairman of the mission, Former Vice President of Nigeria Prof. Osinbajo, the mission will be observing the pre-election environment, polling day activities and the post election period for an environment for the conduct of credible elections, including a fair election environment, media impartiality, voters’ freedom of expression and transparency of the counting process, in adherence to national, regional and international commitments.
He continued that their twelve man team who have been in Sierra Leone since the 17th June 2023, were put together by the Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland, KC, herself, will be guided by the principles of neutrality, impartiality, objectivity and independence but in carrying out their functions will in no way be interfering.
He continued that they hope to engage stakeholders to form an initial assessment and will be issuing a preliminary statement with their findings after the elections, specifically on the 26th June 2023.
He hoped that the Sierra Leoneean people would abstain from violence based on knowledge that a good part of the world is observing to witness the portrayal of hospitality and peacefulness that its citizens are known for.
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