During the Political Parties Liaison Committee (PPLC) deliberation, Albert Massaquoi, the Director of External Relations at the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL), revealed the potential use of over 23,000 observers for the upcoming June 24th, 2023 elections in Sierra Leone. He stated that this number could increase if other political parties apply for additional observers. Massaquoi made a PowerPoint presentation during the PPLC meeting, informing stakeholders that the allocation for political parties is set at 180,000 observers at the district level.
He clarified that political parties may apply for a maximum of two additional observers per polling station at the district level during the elections if needed. The allocation for observers is as follows: 20,000 for National Observers, 1,000 for International Observers, and 2,000 for the Media totalling 23,000 observers for election day, assuming there are no further increases.
Massaquoi further explained the process of accrediting observers: "The Electoral Commission may grant accreditation to an applicant based on their application, considering whether the observer group will promote conditions conducive to a free and fair election, ensure the appointed observer will be impartial and independent from any registered political party or candidate, possess competence and professionalism in observing the elections, and adhere to the code of conduct for observers issued by the Electoral Commission."
During the discussion, the Secretary General of the APC, Lansana Dumbuya, suggested that international observers (third parties) should be allowed to view the final results, including those of the political parties. However, ECSL rejected the idea, stating that third parties have no influence over the final results, as the elections are conducted by Sierra Leone itself, not by external entities.