Sierra Leone’s Democracy Hangs On The Line – Warisay Avers
By John Kelly Marah
In an exclusive interview with Mohamed Warisay, a leading figure in the electoral justice system, he has called for the full implementation of key electoral reforms, warning that Sierra Leone’s democracy depends on decisive action ahead of the next general elections.
Warisay referenced a recent press release from the Commonwealth, indicating plans to send a delegation to Sierra Leone to assess whether the Tripartite Committee’s recommendations have been implemented.
The reforms stem from concerns raised after the last elections, where observers, including the European Union Election Observation Mission, reported multiple discrepancies. These concerns triggered calls for peaceful resolution and led to the formation of the Tripartite Committee, which produced 84 recommendations aimed at strengthening the electoral system. An additional recommendation from the Commonwealth further expanded the reform framework.
Background to the Tripartite Committee
The Tripartite Committee was established as part of a negotiated political settlement between the ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the main opposition, the All People’s Congress (APC), following heightened tensions in the aftermath of the disputed elections. The situation had created a deep trust deficit among political actors and raised concerns both domestically and internationally about the credibility of the electoral process.
To ease tensions and prevent further instability, dialogue was initiated with the support of international partners, including the Commonwealth and other diplomatic stakeholders. The outcome of these engagements was the creation of a Tripartite mechanism—bringing together representatives from the government, the opposition, and independent stakeholders—to review the electoral process and recommend reforms.
The committee’s mandate included examining the entire electoral cycle, from voter registration and result tabulation to dispute resolution mechanisms and the role of electoral institutions. Its work was aimed at restoring public confidence, strengthening transparency, and ensuring that future elections reflect the true will of the people.
Following extensive consultations, technical reviews, and stakeholder engagements, the committee produced 84 recommendations designed to address systemic weaknesses and improve the overall integrity of elections in Sierra Leone.
Warisay emphasized that the Sierra Leone People’s Party had previously signed an electoral pledge committing to peaceful democratic processes, and he expects that commitment to be honored through action.
“I am anticipating that all the recommendations will be implemented before the upcoming elections,” he stated, noting that the international community has the tools and capacity to support the process and ensure compliance.
He further stressed that the implementation of these reforms must not be influenced by political convenience. According to him, if the outcome of enforcing the recommendations leads to a shift in political power, it should be accepted as part of upholding democratic integrity.
“If the recommendations unseat the ruling government, then so be it. What matters is doing what is right,” Warisay asserted.
He added that restoring confidence in the electoral system is critical, pointing out that even the sitting President has acknowledged existing flaws within the system. For Warisay, this admission should serve as a foundation for urgent and genuine reform.
“Time should not be used as an excuse to delay these processes. The formation and implementation of these recommendations must move forward without interruption,” he said.
As the country prepares for future elections, Warisay’s message is clear: the credibility of Sierra Leone’s democracy hinges on transparency, accountability, and the political will to implement reforms in full.
