The Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) issued a press statement today, Wednesday, July 12, announcing the release of Operational Instructions regarding the payment of Polling Staff who served during and after the 2023 multi-tier elections. The statement, addressed to the ECSL District Election Managers by the Director of Operations, aims to provide clear guidelines and procedures for the payment process.
Emphasizing the importance of effectively managing the payment of Polling Staff, the Director of Operations highlighted the complexity of the process and stressed the need for clarity among all parties involved. The statement outlined the policy, responsibilities, paperwork, and schedule that should be followed throughout the payment process.
To ensure a smooth payment procedure, the statement also instructed staff members to promptly communicate any uncertainties or questions about the procedure to the Field Coordinator. Should any issues arise, the District Electoral Office was advised to contact ECSL Field Coordination for immediate clarification.
Regarding the actual payment mechanism, the statement outlined that the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) would transfer funds exclusively to district accounts for the purpose of compensating temporary contracted Polling Staff. The payment process should be conducted in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Police (SLP) to ensure security at every stage. Additionally, accredited institutions such as the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) and Electoral Observers Network (EON), approved by the Commission, would oversee the payment process. The District Election Managers (DEMs) were instructed to identify suitable payment locations within their respective districts, preferably former training locations. These payment locations should be allocated according to the indicated number of days, as specified in the accompanying table.
By issuing these Operational Instructions and providing clear guidelines, the ECSL aims to facilitate a well-organized and secure payment process for the Polling Staff involved in the 2023 multi-tier elections.
