National Democratic Institute Validates NEW Position on Election Data

By: Christian Conteh

In the aftermath of Sierra Leone’s recently concluded elections, the National Democratic Institute (NDI) emerged as a key player in validating the position of the National Elections Watch (NEW) regarding the Process and Results Verification for Transparency (PRVT) methodology. The NDI had closely monitored the post-election environment and observed the reactions to NEW’s use of the PRVT methodology, with some critics questioning its adherence to NDI standards.

As a coalition of hundreds of Sierra Leonean organizations established in 2001, NEW had employed the PRVT methodology to ensure accurate election results. NDI, a global leader in supporting citizen observers, had provided technical assistance to NEW in conducting its PRVT and stood fully confident in its proper implementation. The PRVT methodology has been widely used across Africa and the world since the 1980s, making it a trusted approach to promote accurate election results.

Having collaborated with Sierra Leoneans from diverse backgrounds, including political representatives and civil society members, NDI had played a vital role in strengthening the country’s democratic institutions and advocating for more inclusive, transparent, and accountable elections. NDI’s expertise in supporting citizen observers to employ the PRVT methodology was acknowledged, with the institute having assisted independent and non-partisan organizations in conducting over 170 PRVTs across more than 50 countries globally, including 35 PRVTs in 10 African nations.

Under the umbrella coalition of NEW, Sierra Leonean citizens had organized themselves to observe the elections using the PRVT methodology. This approach allowed for systematic information gathering on the conduct of voting and counting while independently and impartially assessing the accuracy of the official results announced by the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL). The PRVT sample and calculations were meticulously conducted according to widely accepted statistical principles. Notably, NEW had previously employed the same PRVT methodology during the 2018 presidential election, which faced no controversies.

However, NDI expressed concern over the harassment and personal attacks targeted at the Sierra Leonean citizens involved in organizing the election observation through NEW. The institute highlighted that United Nations Special Rapporteurs recognized election observers as human rights defenders deserving the same protections. In fact, the UN Special Rapporteurs explicitly called on Member States to ensure the safety of election observers, protecting them from violence, threats, and retaliation resulting from their legitimate exercise of rights and freedoms.

Drawing from its global experience and best practices from other African countries committed to open election data principles, NDI concurred with recommendations made by the European Union Election Observation Mission, the Carter Center, NEW, and others. These recommendations urged the ECSL to release polling station-level results to the public, enhancing transparency and accountability, which are vital for public confidence in the declared outcome.

In the interest of Sierra Leone’s peace and democracy, NDI called upon the leadership and members of the major political parties, including the SLPP and APC, as well as other political parties, to refrain from actions and declarations that could further polarize society. Concrete steps were needed to safeguard the country’s stability and democratic values.

With the validation of NEW’s use of the PRVT methodology and the endorsement of transparency measures by reputable organizations such as NDI, hope remained that Sierra Leone would overcome its post-election challenges, forge ahead with confidence, and strengthen its democratic processes for the benefit of all citizens