Joseph Fitzgerald Kamara, the former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, has strongly criticized the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) for the delay in publishing the voter registration data before the upcoming general elections scheduled for June 24, 2023. Kamara, who previously served in the All People's Congress (APC) government, stressed the significance of the timely publication of this data in ensuring a fair and transparent electoral process.
According to Kamara, the electoral process encompasses more than simply casting votes on election day. He emphasized that the publication of voter registration data plays a crucial role in upholding the credibility of the electoral process and preserving democratic principles.
Kamara maintained, "Elections involve the democratic selection of a candidate for a political office through popular votes. Casting votes on election day is only a part of the electoral process. Timely publication of voter registration data is vital to this process and contributes to its credibility."
By making this information accessible to the public, citizens are empowered to verify the accuracy of the voter rolls, ensuring an impartial electoral system that is safeguarded against manipulation.
Kamara's statement raises concerns about the potential consequences of the delay in publishing the voter registration data. Without access to this crucial information, there is a risk that the integrity of the electoral process may be compromised, leading to a loss of public trust in the fairness of the upcoming elections.
With the June 24 general elections approaching, pressure is mounting on the ECSL to promptly release the voter registration data. This action would not only address Kamara's concerns but also fulfill the expectations of the Sierra Leonean people, who eagerly anticipate the publication of this information to actively participate in the democratic process.