Senior Government officials on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, provided an in-depth briefing on key national developments during the Ministry of Information and Civic Education’s weekly Press Conference, highlighting significant strides made by the Tripartite Committee in advancing electoral reform in Sierra Leone.

Delivering a detailed update on behalf of the Government, Dr. Emmanuel Gaima, Senior Executive Adviser to the President on the Public Service and Head of the Public Sector Reform Unit, outlined the motivations behind the formation of the Tripartite Committee. Dr. Emmanuel Gaima explained that in the aftermath of the June 2023 general elections, both the All People’s Congress and the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone raised critical concerns regarding systemic, structural and financial weaknesses within the electoral framework of the country.

According to Dr. Emmanuel Gaima, these concerns prompted His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio to propose the creation of an Electoral Management Reform Committee during his address to Parliament. This reform initiative, chaired by Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, was designed to facilitate broad-based electoral reform through meaningful dialogue and national consensus.

To ensure neutrality and build confidence in the process, Dr. Emmanuel Gaima emphasized that the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion recommended the inclusion of an independent facilitator. This recommendation led to the appointment of former Gambian Vice President Fatoumata Jallow-Tambajang to guide the deliberations. After three days of extensive discussions at the Bintumani Conference Center, the Government of Sierra Leone, the All People’s Congress and the United Nations Resident Coordinator Seraphine Wakana agreed on eight key resolutions, one of which was the establishment of the Tripartite Committee.

Dr. Emmanuel Gaima confirmed that the Tripartite Committee submitted a comprehensive report to President Julius Maada Bio within six months of its formation. The report outlines eighty actionable recommendations and includes a detailed implementation roadmap aimed at strengthening the institutional and functional capacity of Sierra Leone’s electoral management bodies. Among the major recommendations is the initiation of a Functional Management Review of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone, scheduled to commence six months after the report’s submission. Dr. Emmanuel Gaima stated that this review will assess the Commission’s legal mandate, internal structure, staffing capacity, logistical resources and operational systems with the goal of creating a reliable foundation for future peaceful and credible elections.

Responding to concerns regarding political detentions following the 2023 elections, Dr. Emmanuel Gaima referenced Resolution Four of the Tripartite Committee’s mandate, which investigated the All People’s Congress’ claim that approximately three hundred of its supporters had been detained. He clarified that the verified number was substantially lower and assured the public that all related matters are being addressed in accordance with due legal process. Dr. Emmanuel Gaima also disclosed that consultations facilitated by the Office of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice are ongoing to determine a suitable and publicly accepted model for the country’s future elections.

Ngolo Katta, Head of the Tripartite Secretariat, also addressed the media, providing further insight into the structure and operations of the Steering Committee responsible for implementing the committee’s recommendations. Ngolo Katta explained that the Steering Committee is comprised of representatives from the Government of Sierra Leone, Parliament, Paramount Chiefs, Civil Society Organizations, the All Political Parties Association and local councils, reflecting a broad and inclusive stakeholder base.

The Tripartite Secretariat Head emphasized that the Tripartite Secretariat is actively engaging with political leaders, traditional authorities and civic organizations across the country to ensure widespread participation and transparency in the implementation process. He highlighted Recommendation Seventy-Eight as a pivotal aspect of the ongoing reform agenda. This recommendation calls for the convening of a National Dialogue to deliberate on the future electoral system of Sierra Leone. Ngolo Katta described this dialogue as a critical platform for shaping the nation’s democratic future and announced that preparations are already underway for the event, which is scheduled to take place in July 2025.

Ngolo Katta concluded by reinforcing the Government’s dedication to democratic renewal, transparency and inclusive governance. He noted that the upcoming National Dialogue represents not only an opportunity for reform but a defining moment for strengthening Sierra Leone’s democratic institutions and enhancing public trust in the electoral process.

The briefing on Tuesday underscored the significance of the Tripartite Committee’s work as a central pillar of Sierra Leone’s democratic reform agenda. As the country advances with the implementation of the committee’s recommendations, the commitment of all stakeholders to a peaceful, transparent and participatory process remains vital to securing long-term electoral integrity and national cohesion.

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