http://www.cartercenter.org/news/pr/sierra-leone-110112.html
Highlights...
Sierra Leone is preparing its
third general elections since the end of the civil war in January 2002, and for
the first time, will bear financial responsibility (NOTE-from Stephen: Most of the funding for this election is coming from UN sources) for a majority of the costs
associated with the administration of the presidential, parliamentary, and
local council elections. Domestic and international observers considered the
presidential and parliamentary elections of 2002 and 2007 as largely democratic
and transparent. Sierra Leone also organized local council elections in 2008
for only the fourth time since independence in 1961. Unfortunately, the
by-elections in 2011 and early 2012 were characterized by violence and low
voter turnout.
The 2012 electoral
process represents a critical test for Sierra Leone’s emerging democratic
institutions and its long-term prospects for democratization.
Sierra Leone’s
upcoming elections are governed by the 1991 Constitution, the Public Elections
Act of 2012, the Local Government Act of 2004, and regulations and procedures
from the National Electoral Commission (NEC). Although the 2012 elections act
was intended to address gaps in the 2002 electoral law and integrate a number
of amendments and other acts related to elections, some gaps remain,
particularly relating to electoral scheduling, counting provisions, and
candidate qualifications. The Carter Center regrets that Article 75 of the
Public Elections Act of 2012 reinstates serial numbers on ballots, a measure
that could undermine the secrecy of the vote. Ballot secrecy is widely
recognized as an essential feature of democratic elections which helps not only
to ensure that ballots cannot be linked with the voters that cast them, but
also to eliminate the possibility of voter intimidation.[2] The secrecy of the ballot is protected under articles
97, 114, and 116 of the electoral law.
Carter Center
observers have found that preparations for the elections are ongoing and
appropriately timed despite the absence of an official electoral calendar.
However, there are some important logistical challenges that may hinder
electoral operations before, during, and after polling day. For example,
observers in Koinadugu District reported that NEC officials anticipated great
logistical difficulties with the transportation of election materials and the
vote tally schedule due to extremely poor road infrastructure. Furthermore,
officials warned of communication problems on election day as 20 percent of
that district lack FM radio or mobile phone coverage.
Security of the person,
including freedom from physical and mental violence, is a fundamental right and
applies to candidates.[10] The Center reminds all stakeholders that candidate
intimidation and gender-based violence are totally unacceptable, including
during party primary and nomination periods, and notes that these instances
should have drawn strong condemnations from the NEC, the Political Parties
Registration Commission (PPRC) and the government. In addition, the Center
notes that the low number of formal objections filed during the nomination
periods does not necessarily reflect the nature of the political culture in
Sierra Leone, which continues to obstruct the equitable participation of women
and women candidates.
The low number of
women candidates for the local council and parliamentary elections also is of
great concern to the Center. At 11 percent, the ratio of women MP candidates in
2012 remains worrisomely low and unchanged compared to the 2007 parliamentary
elections. The Carter Center calls on political parties to redouble their
efforts to promote women candidacies and leadership roles within their ranks,
and encourages the All Political Parties Women Association, the Campaign for
Good Governance, and other civil society organizations to pursue their advocacy
work on behalf of aspiring women candidates and office holders.
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