By Francess Wright

Marking a significant step toward strengthening transparency and public communication in Sierra Leone’s electoral processes, the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) unveiled its newly constructed Media Center on Wednesday, 28th May 2025, at its headquarters in Freetown.

The commissioning ceremony, attended by Government officials, development partners, media professionals and Civil Society representatives was a showcase of ECSL’s renewed commitment to open, inclusive and accountable elections.

Welcoming attendees, ECSL Executive Secretary, William Davis, emphasized that the Media Center represents a strategic investment in democratic governance.

“This launch is not just a fulfillment of our 2020–2024 Strategic Plan, it’s a pivotal advancement in how we engage with the public,” he said. He also acknowledged the financial support of the Government of Sierra Leone, which covered 52% of the project’s cost and thanked international partners including UNDP, Ireland, Iceland, Canada and the European Union for their vital contributions.

ECSL Commissioner for the Western Area, Zainab Humu Moseray, described the Center as more than a physical space but rather “a dynamic hub designed to deliver accurate, timely and transparent electoral information.” She underscored its role in supporting press briefings, public education campaigns and stakeholder dialogue especially during electoral periods.

Providing insights into the facility’s design, Project Consultant, Mohamed Kamara, said the center was constructed with functionality and resilience in mind.

“From fireproofing features to advanced connectivity tools, this center is built to support both in-person and remote coordination,” he noted.

The building includes a control room for monitoring operations, meeting rooms and multimedia capabilities to support hybrid communication.

Speaking on behalf of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Resident Representative praised the initiative as a step forward for Sierra Leonean democracy.

“This Media Center will serve as a platform for informed dialogue, not only during elections but throughout the democratic cycle,” he said.

He added that a technical assessment mission would soon be deployed to identify further support needs for ECSL during the 2025–2029 electoral period.

The Deputy Head of Mission from Iceland also delivered brief remarks, highlighting the importance of civic education in electoral integrity. “This center reflects a shared commitment to democratic participation and we are proud to be part of this partnership,” he said.

ECSL’s Chief Electoral Commissioner and Chairman, Mohamed K. Konneh, recalled the Commission’s previous dependence on temporary Press facilities in past elections.

“This center marks a turning point in our mission to make electoral information more accessible, inclusive and verifiable,”

he said. He also revealed that accessibility upgrades, including the installation of an elevator for persons with disabilities, are underway.

Delivering the keynote address, Minister of Information and Civic Education, Chernor Bah, commended ECSL for the initiative, stating:

“This is more than a building,it’s a platform for truth, dialogue and empowerment.” He reiterated the Government’s commitment to civic engagement and combating misinformation. “We must not only speak the truth but ensure we have the means to spread it effectively,” he added.

The ceremony concluded with a guided tour of the facility, officially commissioned by Minister Chernor Bah, offering guests a firsthand view of the center’s modern infrastructure.

The launch of the ECSL Media Center signals a new era for electoral communication in Sierra Leone, placing transparency and public trust at the heart of democratic governance. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/ecsl-commissions-modern-media-center-to-deepen-public-trust-and-transparency-in-electoral-processes/