By Francis Kamara
The Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL), in partnership with the National Telecommunications Commission (NATCOM) has on Wednesday, 24th August 2022, officially launched the voters’ registration exercise at the New Brookfields Hotel in Freetown.
The event was attended by Ministers of Government, Members of Parliament, Political Parties Representatives and other members of the diplomatic community.
In March 2022, the President Julius Maada Bio along with the Chief Electoral Commissioner, made a pronouncement for the date of the next public elections which is set to commence on the 24th June 2023, as well as the date for the voters’ registration exercise that will commence on 3rd September – 4th October, 2022.
The chairman for the event, Dr. Julius Spenser, affirmed that voters’ registration is very important in any electioneering process and it is a civic responsibility.
He informed that since 1996, Sierra Leone has conducted five (5) elections in which all have been accepted as fair. He noted that citizens should express their will in the ballot box and he urged the National Electoral Commission (NEC) to give the opportunity to people to participate in the process.
The Director General for the National Telecommunications Commission (NATCOM), Mr. Daniel Kaitibi, in his statement acknowledged that his commission is pleased to partner with ECSL for the conduction of multi-tier elections slated for 24th June 2023.
He underscored that the National Telecommunications Commission (NATCOM) was established by an Act of parliament in 2006, as amended in 2009/2015, to regulate the telecommunications sector and provide license for telecommunications operators, ISPs, FM stations, and the likes.
Daniel Kaitibi noted that the event is a novelty in the history of the electoral commission in Sierra Leone, and it is a clear manifestation of the core principles of transparency, accountability, credibility, and the independence of the ECSL.
He added that NATCOM is very delighted to partner with the ECSL to showcase the act of nationalism and patriotism in the call of duty.
Daniel Kaitibi emphasized that the partnership is also in line with their core strategic objective to interface with the public and private sector, as well as other stakeholders, through the promotion of continuous engagement. He added that the voters’ registration is quite a pivotal process in the pre-electoral basket, and because of its importance, information, dissemination, and effective communication for voters’ education have to stand out clearly.
He also affirmed that the ECSL approached NATCOM and made a proposition that they use their good offices to talk with the telecommunications operators – and series of meetings were held and MOUs signed with the different telecommunications operators in Sierra Leone.
Daniel Kaitibi highlighted that the ECSL asked for the following in the MOU (amongst others):
- A toll-free number that will be accessed across all mobile networks.
- Urged operators to use their system to send bulk messages (SMS) to enable their information to reach out to every Sierra Leonean.
- Asked for a ring-back tone to serve as a fork of sensitization.
- Asked for a radio platform that will also enable them to send out information and messages so that people can register.
In return, the signed MOU made provision for the ECSL to advertise for all the mobile operators. The short-code 838 would be configured on all networks.
He concluded that NATCOM is a big consultancy that the ECSL is leaning on, and in line with president Bio’s vision, NATCOM will continue to support the utilization of short codes to create an inclusive digital footprint in the telecommunications sector in Sierra Leone.
On behalf of NATCOM, he asked all Sierra Leoneans to use the service with care and to not misuse it – he encouraged all Sierra Leoneans who are eligible to vote, to go out and register at their respective centers on 3rd September – 4th October, 2022.
The Chief Minister Jacob Jusu Saffa, acknowledged the gathering that months ago, President Bio formally announced with consultations that 24th June 2023, as elections day in Sierra Leone. He said that government is committed to its responsibility to give ECSL the required support that is needed.
He concluded that the government takes the recommendations of the European Union elections observer with utmost importance – and encouraged Sierra Leoneans to be law abiding and ensure that electoral commission carries its responsibilities.
The Chief Electoral Commissioner, Mohamed Kenawui Konneh, in his statement acknowledged that the voters registration process is very important for citizens. He added that his commission believes in partnership and collaboration with other institutions for transparency and accountability. “Today marks a significant day in our Electoral circle. Since the proclamation of the election date Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone has been working” he said.
The chief electoral commissioner underscored that his commission has a constitutional mandate to register eligible voters, as well as those who will be turning 18 by 24th June 2023.
He disclosed that the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone has opened over three thousand centers, and have recruited ward coordinators and registration staff to aid in the smooth coordination of the exercise.
Mr. Konneh concluded that his commission is working with the security sector for a peaceful registration exercise, and urged all eligible Sierra Leoneans to go out and register as it is their civic duty and responsibility.
The event ended with the official launching of the voters registration exercise by the electoral Commission of Sierra Leone, on 3rd September – 4th October, 2022.
