In a strong statement issued on Friday, June 30, 2023, US Senator Jim Risch, who serves as the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and represents Idaho, called on the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) to release disaggregated polling station results from the recently held June 24 polls. Senator Risch emphasized the importance of transparency and credibility in the electoral process, urging the ECSL to demonstrate its commitment to conducting a free and fair election.
Senator Risch's call for transparency comes in response to concerns raised by various stakeholders, including voters, candidates, political parties, observers, and international partners. Highlighting the "lack of transparency and legitimate concerns" surrounding Sierra Leone's electoral process, the Republican Senator expressed his disappointment with the treatment of citizen observers and the defamation they faced during the election.
The ECSL announced the incumbent President Julius Maada Bio as the winner on Tuesday, stating that he secured 56 percent of the votes, thereby avoiding a runoff with the main opposition All People's Congress (APC) party. However, the leadership of the APC contested the results, arguing that they did not reflect the will of the majority of the local population. APC Parliamentarian Abdul Kargbo even hinted at the possibility of taking legal action against the ECSL.
Senator Risch's concerns align with those expressed by local and international observers who have also noted the lack of transparency in the election. The release of disaggregated polling station results would help address doubts about the legitimacy of President Bio's victory and provide clarity on the voting patterns and preferences of the Sierra Leonean people.
By urging President Bio to encourage the ECSL to release the detailed polling station results, Senator Risch aims to ensure transparency and restore confidence in the electoral process. The availability of disaggregated data would allow for independent analysis, verification, and a better understanding of the election outcomes, helping to dispel any allegations of impropriety or manipulation.
As a prominent member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Risch's call carries weight and signifies the importance of upholding democratic principles and transparency in electoral processes. It is crucial for the ECSL to heed these calls, take them seriously, and act in the best interest of the Sierra Leonean people by releasing the disaggregated polling station results. Doing so would demonstrate a commitment to accountability, fairness, and the strengthening of democratic institutions in Sierra Leone.
The international community, including the United States, should support Senator Risch's call for transparency and continue to monitor the situation closely. It is essential to ensure that the voices and choices of the Sierra Leonean people are respected, and that the electoral process reflects their will.