Event Summary
On 27 February 2026, the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Ibrahim Tawa Conteh, has accused election observer missions of actions he claims risk undermining national stability, and has called on Parliament to investigate the democratic credentials of the CSO National Elections Watch (NEW). Speaking during a public engagement in Freetown, Hon. Conteh alleged that certain pronouncements and conduct by election observers in the aftermath of national polls amounted to an attempt to “fuel conflict” in the country. He argued that while election observation plays an important role in democratic governance, it must be exercised within the bounds of Sierra Leone’s constitutional framework.
Hon. Conteh further urged Parliament to examine the democratic credentials, funding sources, and operational standards of NEW. According to him, accountability and transparency should not apply solely to public institutions but also to civil society organizations engaged in election monitoring. The remarks have sparked debate across political and civil society circles. Supporters of the Deputy Speaker argue that observer missions must exercise restraint and avoid statements that could inflame an already polarized political environment. They contend that safeguarding peace and constitutional order should be paramount. However, critics warn that calls to probe observer groups may be perceived as an attempt to intimidate or constrain independent oversight. They stress that domestic election observation is widely recognized as a cornerstone of democratic consolidation, enhancing transparency and public confidence in electoral processes.
This came after 2023 general election when NEW announced that no party secured the 55% threshold to win the Presidential election on first ballot and predicted a runoff, according to their Parallel Voter Tabulation (PVT) conducted during the observation process. The National Elections Watch has, in previous election cycles, played a prominent role in monitoring polling, vote tallying, and compliance with electoral procedures. Its reports have often been cited by stakeholders seeking to assess the credibility and integrity of elections. Meanwhile, a coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) has strongly condemned what it described as the “mischaracterisation and misinformation” directed at the National Election Watch (NEW) and its leadership during recent parliamentary proceedings. In a press release, the CSOs expressed “grave concerns” over remarks reportedly made by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament during the confirmation and approval of the Chief Electoral Commissioner of the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL). The statement was endorsed by a wide range of respected organisations.