Ibn Chambas engages stakeholders ahead of Sierra Leone elections

Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas, Head of Electoral Observation Mission of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), on Wednesday met with several stakeholders ahead of the presidential and legislative elections in Sierra Leone holding on Saturday.

A statement on the website of the Commission on Thursday indicated that Chambas was accompanied by Mr Ansumana Ceesay, Deputy Head of Mission, Mr Moussa Harouna, the ECOWAS Resident Representative to Sierra Leone, and Mr Abdel-Fatau Musah, ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security.

Chambas is a former President of the ECOWAS Commission and Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General to West Africa and the Sahel.

At a meeting with Mr Mohamed Kenewui Konneh, Chief Commissioner, Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL), in Freetown, Chambas commended the commission for its efforts and commitment to a credible, transparent and inclusive electoral process.

He also encouraged the commission to resolve all outstanding issues, especially with the opposition All People’s Congress (APC) and ensure that all stakeholders were carried along for a peaceful and successful electoral process.

The head of mission also met with representatives of the Political Party Regulations Commission (PPRC), to discuss the commission’s activities, including security and the participation of political parties.

He praised the commission for encouraging the political parties to sign the Peace Pledge on elections and helping to address the complaints by the APC against the electoral commission.

The head of mission and his delegation also visited the National Centre for Early Warning and Response Mechanisms (NEWRM), where they received a briefing by the Director of the Centre, Mrs Francess Nyuma.

Chambas urged the centre to continue its efforts of sharing vital information and the mobilisation of all parties for the consolidation of peace in the country during and after the elections.

Furthermore, he assured the stakeholders of ECOWAS’ support and determination to accompany Sierra Leone on the path of democracy in the country.

He compared notes with his counterparts from the Head of the Commonwealth Observation Mission, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, former Vice President of Nigeria.

He also compared notes with Hailemariam Desalegn Boshe, former Prime Minister of Ethiopia and Head of the African Union’s Observation Mission; and Mr Babatunde Ahonsi, the Resident Coordinator of the United Nations System in Sierra Leone. (NAN)