By Usman Fambuleh
A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has strongly condemned remarks made by Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Honourable Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, describing his comments about National Election Watch (NEW) as misleading, damaging, and an attempt to undermine the credibility of one of Sierra Leone’s most respected election monitoring bodies.
In a press statement issued on Saturday, the coalition expressed concern over comments reportedly made during parliamentary proceedings for the confirmation and approval of the Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL). According to the CSOs, the Deputy Speaker suggested that election observers were “trying to fuel conflict in this country” and further described NEW as faceless and lacking credibility.
The coalition called the remarks deeply troubling and unjustified, warning that such statements risk weakening public confidence in independent election observation and could create unnecessary tension between observers and electoral authorities. They highlighted NEW’s long-standing role in promoting transparency, peace, and accountability in Sierra Leone’s electoral process.
Since its inception in 2002, NEW has been actively involved in election observation, voter education, and Parallel Vote Tabulation (PVT), contributing significantly to credible and peaceful elections across the country. The coalition noted that NEW operates through strong governance structures, including a Strategic Management Committee, regional and district coordinators, and over 400 member organisations nationwide.
“NEW’s effectiveness is demonstrated through its consistent monitoring of elections and its commitment to professionalism and neutrality,” the CSOs said. They emphasised that election observers, both domestic and international, are essential partners in strengthening democratic processes and ensuring transparency.
The coalition also reminded the public that Honourable Conteh himself has previously participated in NEW’s activities and witnessed the organisation’s constructive engagement with stakeholders, underscoring the credibility of its work.
Beyond its national role, NEW has earned international recognition. It chairs the West Africa Election Observer Network (WAEON), leads the Africa Election Observers Network (AfeoNet), and is a member of the Global Network of Domestic Election Monitors (GNDEM). NEW has also participated in and led election observation missions across Africa, further cementing its reputation as a professional and credible institution.
Looking ahead to the 2028 general elections, the CSOs reaffirmed their confidence in NEW’s commitment to lawful, independent, and transparent election monitoring. They stressed that NEW remains dedicated to collaborating with the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone and other stakeholders to ensure credible elections.
The coalition concluded by urging Members of Parliament and national stakeholders to recognise and support the vital role of election observers in protecting democracy. They described observers as human rights defenders whose work contributes significantly to electoral integrity, peace, and national stability.
“The CSOs call on state institutions and political leaders to support, not undermine, organisations like NEW, whose work is essential for safeguarding Sierra Leone’s democratic future,” the statement added.
