The Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL), Mohamed Kenewui Konneh, has taken a firm stance on gender equality in politics. He recently announced that the Commission would issue a 48-hour ultimatum to political parties to comply with the 30 percent women's quota as required by law. This ultimatum comes as a response to some parties attempting to circumvent the regulation by nominating male candidates and labelling them as female candidates.
Konneh emphasized that the directive from Parliament to political parties regarding the 30 percent quota was intentional. It was a deliberate effort to promote gender balance and inclusivity in the political arena. However, some parties have tried to exploit loopholes in the system by nominating male candidates under the guise of fulfilling the women's quota requirement.
In response to this manipulation, Konneh stated that the Commission would write to the concerned political parties, giving them a limited time to rectify their nominations. If they fail to comply within the given timeframe, the ECSL will reject the entire list of candidates for that district. The Chief Electoral Commissioner stressed that it is their duty under the law to reject any nominations that do not meet the required gender representation.
Konneh also pointed fingers at certain politicians who he believes are orchestrating this scheme to bypass the gender quota. Their actions undermine the spirit of the law and hinder progress towards achieving equal representation in politics.
To address such crucial issues related to transparency and fairness in the upcoming elections on June 24, the ECSL has been engaging with political parties in bi-weekly meetings. These gatherings provide a platform for discussions and consultations on various matters concerning electoral processes. The Commission's primary concern is to ensure that the elections are conducted within the boundaries of the law and that they are free and fair for all participants.
Sierra Leone has made significant strides in promoting women's participation in politics over the years. The introduction of the 30 percent women's quota was a commendable step towards enhancing gender equality in the country's political landscape. However, the recent attempts by some political parties to manipulate the system highlight the need for stricter enforcement and oversight.
By setting a clear ultimatum, the ECSL aims to emphasize the importance of adhering to the law and upholding the principles of democracy. The Commission's firm stance serves as a reminder to political parties that gender equality is not a tokenistic gesture but an essential aspect of creating a representative and inclusive democracy.
As Sierra Leone prepares for the upcoming elections, it is crucial that all stakeholders, including political parties, the ECSL, and civil society, work together to ensure a level playing field for all candidates. It is through such concerted efforts that the country can continue to make progress towards achieving gender equality and empowering women to actively participate in shaping the nation's future.