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NEC Headquarters at Tower Hill in
Freetown
National Electoral Commission (NEC)
Sierra Leone
ANNUAL REPORT
2015
i
2015 ANNUAL REPORT
ii
MISSION STATEMENT
THE MISSION OF THE NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION OF SIERRA LEONE (NEC-SL) IS TO CONDUCT ALL PUBLIC
ELECTIONS AND REFERENDA, REGISTER ALL ELIGIBLE VOTERS, DEMARCATE ELECTORAL BOUNDARIES,
IMPARTIALLY SERVE ALL STAKEHOLDERS, UNDERTAKE ELECTORAL EDUCATION AND MAKE REGULATIONS FOR THE EFFICIENT EXECUTION OF ITS FUNCTIONS IN PROMOTING
SUSTAINABLE DEMOCRACY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE.
VISION
The Vision of the National Electoral Commission of
Sierra Leone (NEC-SL) is that of an independent,
credible and well-resourced institution which
promotes democracy and good governance by
continually administering credible elections that
meet international standards and best practices.
iii
GUIDING PRINCIPLES
The Commission shall endeavour to uphold the following overarching principles:
1.0 ACCOUNTABILITY
The Commission shall take full responsibility for its activities and will always be answerable
to the people of Sierra Leone and its partners.
2.0 CREDIBILITY
The Commission shall endeavour to win the confidence and trust of all Sierra Leoneans and
the international community through the quality of its services.
3.0 INDEPENDENCE
In all electoral matters, the Commission shall ensure that it operates freely on its own best
judgment, without taking directives from or being controlled by any person or authority.
4.0 INTEGRITY
The Commission shall carry out its activities in an honest and truthful manner, and will take
all reasonable measures to prevent wilful wrongdoings by its officials.
5.0 IMPARTIALITY
The Commission shall always be nonpartisan and fair in all its activities.
6.0 PROFESSIONALISM AND DEDICATION
The Commission shall endeavour to have a well-trained, professionally competent, motivated
and confident staff, dedicated to the delivery of trustworthy elections.
7.0 TRANSPARENCY
The Commission shall be open at all times in dealing with all stakeholders in the electoral
process.
iv
ACRONYMS
ACC Anti-Corruption Commission
ADEO Assistant District Electoral Officer
AEO Assistant Electoral Officer
APC All Peoples Congress
APPYA All Political Parties Youth Association
BD Boundary Delimitation
BOC Board of Commissioners
BRIDGE Building Resources in Democracy, Governance and Elections
ASSL Audit Service Sierra Leone
CEC Chief Electoral Commissioner
CRC Constitutional Review Committee
CSOs Civil Society Organizations
CTA Chief Technical Adviser
DEO District Electoral Officer
DISEC District Security Committee
EBF Electoral Basket Fund (EBF)
EC Electoral Commission
ECONEC ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions
ES Executive Secretary
ERP Enterprise Resource Planning
GIS Geographical Information Systems
GoSL Government of Sierra Leone
GPS Geographical Positioning System
HQ Head Quarters
HRMIS Human Resource Management Information Systems
IMC Integrity Management Committee
IMF International Monetary Fund
INEACE Institute of Electoral Administration and Civic Education
IRN Independent Radio Network
IT Information Technology
LAN Local Area Network
v
LAR&D Legal Affairs, Research and Documentation
MEST Ministry of Education, Science and Technology
MTF Material Transfer Form
MoFED Ministry of Finance and Economic Development
MoU Memorandum of Understanding
NASSIT National Social Security and Insurance Trust
NACS National Anti-Corruption Strategy
NEC National Electoral Commission
NERC National Ebola Response Centre
NEW National Elections Watch
NRS National Registration Secretariat
NSCCG National Security Committee Coordinating Group
ONS Office of National Security
PC Paramount Chief
PCE Paramount Chief Election
PEA Public Elections Act
PMDC Peoples Movement for Democratic Change
PPLC Political Parties Liaison Committee
PROSEC Provincial Security Committee
SLP Sierra Leone Police
SLPP Sierra Leone Peoples Party
SOB Standing Orders ‘B’
SSL Statistics Sierra Leone
UDM United Democratic Movement
UNDP United Nations Development Program
UNIMAK University of Makeni
VETO Voter Education and Training Officer
vi
LIST OF TABLES
Table Pages
Table 1: Electoral Observation Missions ...................................................................................... 10
Table 2: Staff Capacity Development ........................................................................................... 11
Table 3: Court Matters .................................................................................................................. 17
Table 4: Paramount Chieftaincy Court Matters ............................................................................ 19
Table 5: Courtesy Calls ................................................................................................................. 23
Table 6: Courtesy Calls on Political parties .................................................................................. 24
Table 7: Results of election in Constituency 107 ......................................................................... 29
Table 8: Constituency 107 Turnout .............................................................................................. 30
Table 9: Summary of constituency 030 bye-election results ......................................................... 32
Table 10: Turn-out for constituency 030 bye-election .................................................................. 32
Table 11: Summary of Constituency 025 bye-election results ...................................................... 34
Table 12: Turn-out for constituency 025 bye-election .................................................................. 35
Table 13: Summary of Ward 002 bye-election results .................................................................. 36
Table 14: Ward 002 Turnout ......................................................................................................... 36
Table 15: Summary of Ward 010 bye-election results .................................................................. 37
Table 16: Ward 010 Turnout ......................................................................................................... 38
Table 17: Summary of Ward 034 bye-election results .................................................................. 38
Table 18: Ward 034 Turnout ......................................................................................................... 39
Table 19: Summary of Ward 261 bye-election results .................................................................. 40
Table 20: Ward 261 Turnout ......................................................................................................... 40
Table 21: Summary of Ward 329 bye-election results .................................................................. 41
Table 22: Ward 329 Turnout ......................................................................................................... 42
Table 23: Village Head bye-election Summary ............................................................................. 42
Table 24: Regent Village Head Turnout ........................................................................................ 43
Table 25: Gender analysis of contestants in the Parliamentary bye-elections conducted in 2015 43
Table 26: Gender analysis of contestants in the Local Government bye-elections conducted in
2015................................................................................................................................................ 44
Table 27: Gender analysis of Winners in the 5 Local Government bye-elections conducted in
2015................................................................................................................................................ 45
Table 28: Paramount Chieftaincy Elections Process 2015 (Declarations, Polling Dates and
Winners) ......................................................................................................................................... 46
Table 29: Results GUARA Paramount Chieftaincy Elections ...................................................... 47
Table 30: Second Round Results GUARA PC Elections ............................................................. 48
Table 31: YAWEI Chiefdom Paramount Chieftaincy Election Results ........................................ 48
Table 32: Second Round YAWEI Chiefdom Paramount Chieftaincy Election Results ............... 49
vii
Table 33: DEA Chiefdom Paramount Chieftaincy Election Results ............................................. 50
Table 34: YAWBEKO Chiefdom Paramount Chieftaincy Election Results ................................ 51
Table 35: DEMA Chiefdom Paramount Chieftaincy Election Results ......................................... 52
Table 36: VALUNYA Chiefdom Paramount Chieftaincy Election Results ................................. 53
Table 37: TIMDALE Chiefdom Paramount Chieftaincy Election Results ................................... 54
Table 38: JAIAMA BONGOR Chiefdom Paramount Chieftaincy Election Results .................... 55
Table 39: Stakeholders’ Position on Challenges to the Electoral Calendar 2015-2019 ................ 65
Table 40: Budgetary support from GoSL ...................................................................................... 74
Table 41: Activities funded by UNDP ........................................................................................... 75
Table 42: Provides an explanation of the various sources of income and the amount of funding ........ 77
Table 43: Summary of Expenditure analysed on a Quarterly Basis ..................................................... 77
Table 44: Summary of Income & Expenditure .............................................................................. 78
Table 45: NEC Actual Expenditure, 2015 (Organized By Quarter) .............................................. 79
viii
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Pages
Figure 1: Results of election in Constituency 107 .................................................................. 30
Figure 2: Constituency 030- Votes obtained by Candidates ................................................. 32
Figure 3: Constituency 025- Votes obtained by Candidates ................................................. 34
Table 12: Turn-out for constituency 025 bye-election .......................................................... 35
Figure 4: Ward 002 – Vote Obtained by Candidates ............................................................. 36
Figure 5: Ward 10 – Vote Obtained by Candidates ............................................................... 37
Figure 6: Ward 034 – Vote Obtained by Candidates ............................................................. 39
Figure 7: Ward 261 – Vote Obtained by Candidates ............................................................. 40
Figure 8: Ward 329 – Vote Obtained by Candidates ............................................................. 41
Table 22: Ward 329 Turnout ..................................................................................................... 42
Table 24: Regent Village Head Turnout .................................................................................. 43
Figure 10: Gender analysis of contestants in the Parliamentary bye-elections conducted
in 2015 .......................................................................................................................................... 44
Figure 11: Gender analysis of contestants in the Local Government bye-elections
conducted in 2015 ....................................................................................................................... 45
Figure 12: Gender analysis of Winners in the 5 Local Government bye-elections
conducted in 2015 ....................................................................................................................... 46
ix
FOREWORD
The National Electoral Commission (NEC) Annual Report, 2015, is written pursuant to
Section 32 (12) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, 1991 (Act No 6 of 1991) which is quoted
below for ease of reference:
“The Chief Electoral Commissioner shall submit a report on the programme and
work of the Electoral Commission at least once a year to the President and a copy
of such report shall be laid before Parliament.”
The year 2015, was challenging to the nation with the outbreak of the Ebola virus disease
that brought about a halt in key electoral activities of the Commission.
A significant milestone in the year 2015 was the inception of a new leadership of the
Commission on the retirement of the erstwhile Chief Electoral Commissioner and
Chairperson, Dr. Christiana A. M. Thorpe.
On assumption of office, together with team of Commissioners, I embarked on courtesy calls
to the executive branch of Government, Ministries, Departments and Agencies, the Speaker
and cross section of Members of Parliament, Civil Society Organizations, the Media,
International organizations like UNDP, DIFID and Donor Partners. Of equal importance I
specifically paid visits to the offices of all the registered political parties and their executives.
The main objective of the visits was to strengthen collaboration with these institutions and
further cement trust and confidence in the new leadership for the conduct of credible and
transparent elections in Sierra Leone.
During the year under review, the Commission carried out its core function of conducting
public elections: Seventeen (17) elections were conducted viz: three (3) Parliamentary bye-
elections; five (5) Local Council ward bye-elections, one (1) Village Head election and eight
(8) Paramount Chieftaincy elections.
Perhaps what occupied the attention of the Commission most was the preparation of the
strategic Plan 2015 to 2019. The Commission developed a position paper on the implications
of the postponement of the National Population Census to December 2015. This led to the
identification of challenges that the postponement posed to the electoral calendar in another
position paper written by the Commission and circulated to the public.
x
The electorate and stakeholders were sensitized on the challenges of the 2015-2019 Electoral
Calendar, with focus on implications of the postponement of the National Population and
Housing Census on electoral activities: i.e. Boundary Delimitation, conduct of the 2016 Local
Government elections, Update of the Voters Register, among others.
Twenty-Five strategic stakeholder meetings were held at Regional and District levels in all
the 4 regions and 14 electoral districts during the year 2015 to facilitate understanding and
collaboration in the electoral processes, especially the challenges to the electoral calendar and
the way forward.
The Commission successfully sold to the Sierra Leone electorate the need for the
postponement of the Local Government Elections from 2016 to early 2018 in line with the
scheduled date for the Presidential and Parliamentary elections.
It was on the whole a fruitful year in the area of staff capacity development and international
exposure for Commissioners and staff. The Commission continued to attract international
attention by receiving numerous invitations for information sharing through participation in
conferences, training workshops and election observations.
In the area of collaborating with other Ministries, Departments and Agencies, the
Commission collaborated with the Ministry of Works, Housing & Infrastructure and other
relevant partners for the completion of the warehouse building in Wellington, initiated
technical discussions with the said Ministry for the construction of a regional office in
Bo.
Collaboration was also initiated and is currently on-going between the Commission and
the National Registration Secretariat (NRS) on the development of a National Civil
Register, which will lead to the issuing of a multi-purpose National Identity card. It is
also hoped that the Final Register of Electors will be extracted from the National Civil
Register after it has been developed.
The collaboration between the NEC and Statistics Sierra Leone (SSL) was also restarted
in 2015 and is also on-going with a memorandum of understanding already developed
and signed between the two organizations leading to the delimitation of Constituency and
xi
Ward boundaries for the conduct of the Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Council
elections in 2017/2018.
The Commission provided storage facilities and assisted the Ministry of Education,
Science and Technology (MEST) in the nationwide distribution of hygiene and school
materials for the reopening of the schools following the end of the Ebola virus disease.
The Commission further facilitated the rehabilitation and other civil works for Bombali,
Bo, Kambia, Kenema, Kono and Pujehun district offices;
The highpoint of the Commission’s activities was the successful preparation, validation,
launching and dissemination of the NEC Strategic Plan 2015 to 2019. This was done in
collaboration with our development partners and stakeholders. In the strategic Plan, NEC
was able to outline its structure, processes and activities. The structure of the Commission
has been expanded to include two additional departments to its existing eight; thus
leading to a change in the structure of its organogram.
While reflecting on the Commission’s achievements during the year, I would like to express
profound gratitude and appreciation to the Government of Sierra Leone, the International
Partners, the UNDP and entire UN System, ECOWAS, Civil Society, the Office of National
Security (ONS), Sierra Leone Police (SLP) and Security agencies, other stakeholders i.e.
Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC), Political Parties, Local Democratic
Institutions and the Press for their continued collaboration, cooperation, moral and financial
support.
NEC wishes you all a Prosperous New Year and is confident that together, we can strive to
conduct free, fair and credible electoral processes during the course of the electoral cycle
2016 and beyond.
_________________________________
Mohamed N’fah-AlieConteh
Chief Electoral Commissioner/Chairman
National Electoral Commission
xii
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Year 2015 marked the start of the new electoral cycle, 2015-2019. It was a year in which
the Commission drafted a new Strategic Plan for the said electoral cycle which clearly
articulates the key electoral programmes for the period 2015-2019.
This report highlights the key engagements of the Commission in 2015 which included:
1. Discussions and validation of the Strategic Plan, 2015-2019 by internal and external
stakeholders.
2. Production of a Position Paper on the Implications of Postponing the National
Population and Household Census.
3. Production of a Discussion Paper: Highlighting the challenges to the electoral
process and Proposal to Postpone Local Council Elections from December 2016 to
early 2018.
4. National and district level discussions on the Discussion Paper: Proposal to
Postpone Local Government Elections.
5. Collaboration with Statistics Sierra Leone to plan for the conduct of Boundary
Delimitation for constituency and wards.
6. The setting up of a National Boundary Delimitation Monitoring Committee.
7. Collaboration with the National Registration Secretariat and other institutions to plan
for the conduct of nationwide civil registration and also to validate the bill on the
National Civil Registration Authority.
8. Collaboration with the Law Reform Commission and other partners to engage in
Electoral Legal Reform by reviewing the Public Elections Act, 2012.
9. Collaboration with the Constitutional Review Committee and other partners for the
drafting of a Referendum Act.
10. Collaboration with Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development
(MLGRD) to conduct 8 Paramount Chieftaincy elections.
11. Conduct of 3 Parliamentary and 5 Local Council bye elections.
12. Engagement with the United Nations Development Fund (UNDP) and other
development partners to conclude the Electoral Funding Programme for the period
2011-2014.
13. International engagements with the Africa Union (AU), ECOWAS, Association of
African Election Authorities (AAEA), Commonwealth Electoral Network (CEN)
and ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC).
xiii
14. Collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST) to
facilitate distribution of Learning and Hygiene Materials to schools nationwide.
15. Collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST) to
facilitate the setting up of Situation Rooms at district level to monitor performance of
schools.
16. Engagement with the Institute of Electoral Administration and Civic Education
(INEACE) for the provision of training programmes.
17. The Commission made significant strides in enhancing gender and disability policies
eg. it succeeded in facilitating the translation of it Disability Policy and Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQs) into Braille for the blind, sign and pictorial versions for the
deaf and dumbs
In 2015, the Commission successfully conducted the following elections:
Three (3) parliamentary bye elections (Constituencies: 025, 030 and 107).
Five (5) local council bye elections (Wards: 002, 010, 034, 261, and 329).
One (1) village head bye election in Regent, Western Area Rural District.
Eight (8) paramount chieftaincy elections (Chiefdoms: Dea, Yawei, Gaura,
Dema, Yawbeko, Timdale, JaiamaBongor and Valunya).
However, the conduct of the paramount chieftaincy election for Kholifa Mabang is still
pending.
Internally, the Commission witnessed and welcomed the appointment of Mr.
Mohamed N’fah-Alie Conteh as the Chief Electoral Commissioner and Chairman on
12th February 2015, which signified the new leadership dispensation of the
Commission for the electoral cycle, 2015-2019. The Commission also witnessed the
end of tenure of two Electoral Commissioners of the Eastern Region and Western
Area in March 2015 and January 2016, respectively.
The Commission also welcomed the appointment of Mr.Macksood Gibril-Sesay as
Electoral Commissioner, with oversight responsibility for the northern region on 31st
March 2015.
xiv
The Commission endorsed a restructuring plan of the Secretariat to functionally
accommodate two additional departments, namely:
1. Media and External Relations;
2. Research, Monitoring and Evaluation; and the addition of 1 unit to the IT
department.
The Commission also endorsed the formation of a National Electoral Commission
Staff Association (NECSA).
To conclude, the Chapter on Finances highlights the effective budgetary support the
Commission received from the Government of Sierra Leone which enabled the Commission
to clearly set out its calendar of electoral programmes to be implemented in the electoral
cycle, 2015-2019.
------------------------------------------
William A. Davies
Executive Secretary
xv
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Contents Pages
Guiding Principles .......................................................................................................................... iii
Acronyms ........................................................................................................................................ iv
List Of Tables ................................................................................................................................. vi
List Of Figures .............................................................................................................................. viii
Foreword ......................................................................................................................................... ix
Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................... xii
Table Of Contents .......................................................................................................................... xv
CHAPTER ONE PROFILE OF THE NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION ............ 1
1.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 1
1.2 Structure of the National Electoral Commission ...................................................................... 1
1.2.1 The Commission .................................................................................................................. 1
1.2.2 The Secretariat ...................................................................................................................... 2
1.2 End of tenure and Appointments................................................................................................ 4
1.2.1 End of Tenure of Office of Two Commissioners .............................................................. 4
1.3.2 Appointment of the Chief Electoral Commissioner and Chairman of the Commission
and Commissioner Northern Region ............................................................................................ 4
CHAPTER TWO DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS OVERVIEW ............................................ 6
2.0 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 6
2.1 DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION .............................................................................. 6
2.1.1 Structure and Staff ................................................................................................................. 6
2.1.2 Functions ............................................................................................................................... 6
2.1.3 Accomplishments ................................................................................................................. 6
2.2 DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE ................................................................................................ 7
2.2.1 Structure and Staff ............................................................................................................... 7
2.2.2 Functions ............................................................................................................................... 7
2.2.3 Accomplishments ................................................................................................................. 7
2.3 DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCE, GENDER AND DISABILITY ...................... 8
2.3.1 Structure and Staff ............................................................................................................... 8
2.3.2 Functions ............................................................................................................................... 8
2.3.3 Accomplishments of the Human Resource Unit ............................................................... 9
2.4 DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND VOTERS ROLL .............. 12
2.4.1 Structure .............................................................................................................................. 12
xvi
2.4.2 Functions ............................................................................................................................. 12
2.4.3 Accomplishments ............................................................................................................... 12
2.5 DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL AUDIT .............................................................................. 14
2.5.1 Structure .............................................................................................................................. 14
2.5.2 Functions ............................................................................................................................. 14
1.5.3 Accomplishments ............................................................................................................... 14
2.6 DEPARTMENT OF LEGAL AFFAIRS, RESEARCH AND DOCUMENTATION ......... 16
2.6.1 Structure .............................................................................................................................. 16
2.6.2 Functions ............................................................................................................................. 16
1.6.3 Accomplishments of the Legal Affairs Unit .................................................................... 16
2.6.4 Accomplishments of the Research & Documentation Unit. ................................................ 19
2.7 DEPARTMENT OF TRAINING AND OUTREACH .......................................................... 20
2.7.1 Structure .............................................................................................................................. 20
2.7.2 Functions ............................................................................................................................. 20
2.7.3 Accomplishments ............................................................................................................... 21
2.8 DEPARTMENT OF OPERATIONS .......................................................................................... 25
2.8.1 Structure .............................................................................................................................. 26
2.8.2 Functions .............................................................................................................................. 26
2.8.3 Accomplishments ................................................................................................................. 26
CHAPTER THREE CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS IN 2015 .................................................. 28
3.0 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................... 28
3.1 PARLIAMENTARY BYE ELECTIONS ................................................................................... 28
3.1.1 Constituency 107 (Western Area Urban District): Saturday, 14th November, 2015 .................... 28
3.1.2 Constituency 030 (Bombali District): Saturday, 12th December, 2015 ................................ 30
3.1.3 Constituency 025 (Kono District): Saturday, 19th December, 2015. .......................................... 33
3.2 LOCAL COUNCIL BYE ELECTIONS ..................................................................................... 35
3.2.1 Ward 002 (Kailahun District): 30th December, 2015 ........................................................... 35
3.2.2 Ward 010 (Kailahun District): 14th November, 2015 ........................................................... 36
3.2.3 Ward 034 (Kenema District) 14th November, 2015 ............................................................. 38
3.2.4 Ward 261 (Bonthe Municipal Council): 14th November, 2015 ............................................ 39
3.2.5 Ward 329 (Western Area Rural District): 14th November, 2015 ......................................... 41
xvii
3.3 VILLAGE HEAD BYE ELECTION REGENT: 30th December, 2015 .................................... 42
3.4 Summary of Male and Female contestants in the Parliamentary bye-elections .............................. 43
3.5: Summary of Male and Female contestants in the Local Council bye-elections ............................ 44
3.6: Summary of Male and Female Winners in the 5 Local Council bye-elections ............................. 45
3.7 PARAMOUNT CHIEFTAINCY ELECTIONS ........................................................................ 46
Table 28: Paramount Chieftaincy Elections Process 2015 (Declarations, Polling Dates and
Winners) ......................................................................................................................................... 46
3.7.1 Gaura Chiefdom (Kenema District) ..................................................................................... 47
3.7.2 Yawei Chiefdom (Kailahun District) ................................................................................... 48
3.7.3 Dea Chiefdom (Kailahun District) ....................................................................................... 49
3.7.4 Yawbeko Chiefdom (Bonthe District) ................................................................................. 50
3.7.5 Dema Chiefdom (Bonthe District) ....................................................................................... 51
3.7.6 Valunya Chiefdom (Bo District) .......................................................................................... 52
3.7.7 Timdale Chiefdom (Moyamba District)............................................................................... 53
3.7.8 Jaiama Bongor Chiefdom (Bo District) ............................................................................... 54
CHAPTER FOUR ........................................................................................................................ 56
IMPLEMENTATION OF OTHER PROGRAMMES/PROJECTS IN 2015 ................................ 56
4.1 INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT: ............................................................................... 56
4.1.2 Completion of NEC Warehouse and Rub Hall at Wellington – .......................................... 56
4.1.3 Construction of NEC Regional Office and Warehouse in Bo – ........................................... 56
4.1.3 Renovation of District Offices- ............................................................................................ 56
4.2 Video-Documentary Film on NEC Activities Covering the period 2007 - 2012 ................. 56
4.3 Ministry of Education, Science and Technology (MEST) Ebola Response Schools
Reopening Project. .......................................................................................................................... 57
4.4 NEC: International Travels ........................................................................................................ 57
4.5 The Institute of Electoral Administration and Civic Education (INEACE) Training Programme
.......................................................................................................................................................... 58
4.6 NEC Staff Association (NECSA) ............................................................................................ 59
4.7 First Time Voters’ Electoral Education Trade Fair ................................................................ 60
4.8: NEC Consultancies .................................................................................................................. 61
4.9: National Electoral Commission’s contribution to the National Registration Secretariat’s
Civil Registration Project ................................................................................................................ 62
xviii
CHAPTER FIVE ......................................................................................................................... 63
5.1 Preparation for the Next Electoral Cycle: 2015 to 2019 ........................................................ 63
5.2 Strategic Plan 2015-2019 .......................................................................................................... 63
5.2.1 Consensus Building for Policy Initiatives on the Challenges to the Electoral Cycle 2015-
2019 and the way Forward ............................................................................................................ 64
5.3 FINANCE: Engagement with Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MOFED) ... 68
5.4 Boundary Delimitation ................................................................................................................ 69
5.5 Results Management ................................................................................................................... 69
5.5.1 District Result Management Process ................................................................................... 70
5.6 LEGAL REFORM .................................................................................................................... 70
5.6.1 Review of the 2012 Public Elections Act (Act No. 4 of 2012) ....................................... 70
5.6.2 NCRA Bill (Collaboration with NRS) .............................................................................. 71
5.6.3 Constitutional Review Committee (CRC) & Referendum. ............................................. 71
5.6.4 Compilation of Electoral Regulations .............................................................................. 72
CHAPTER SIX ............................................................................................................................ 73
FINANCES .................................................................................................................................... 73
6.1 Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 73
6.2 Budget Analysis .......................................................................................................................... 73
6.3 Electoral Basket Fund (EBF) ...................................................................................................... 73
6.4 Project Financing ........................................................................................................................ 73
6.5 External Auditing for Financial year 2014 ................................................................................. 74
CHAPTER SEVEN: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS .................................. 83
7.0 General Conclusion ................................................................................................................... 83
7.1 Recommendations ..................................................................................................................... 83
7.1.1: To the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) .................................................................. 83
7.1.2: To Stakeholders and National Institutions ...................................................................... 84
7.1.3: To political parties ............................................................................................................ 84
7.1.5: To other MDA’s (SSL and NRS) ........................................................................................ 84
7.1.5: To NEC ............................................................................................................................... 84
7.1.5: To Parliament ...................................................................................................................... 84
ANNEXES: ................................................................................................................................... 87
Staff list as at 2015 ................................................................................................................................ 87
1
CHAPTER ONE
PROFILE OF THE NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION
1.1 Introduction
The National Electoral Commission (NEC) is an independent body set up by an Act of
Parliament to serve as the primary electoral authority with the constitutional mandate,
under Section 33 of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, 1991, (Act No. 6 of 1991); Section 7(1)
of the Public Elections Act (PEA), 2012 and Section 28 of the Chieftaincy Act, 2009 to:
Conduct all public elections and referenda;
Register voters;
Demarcate Electoral Boundaries;
Facilitate the observation, monitoring and evaluation of elections;
Conduct civic and electoral education; and
Make Regulations and Codes of Conduct for the efficient performance of its
functions.
The independence of the Commission, in the performance of its functions, is guaranteed in
Section 32(11) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, 1991 (Act No. 6 1991), which states that:
“In the exercise of any functions vested in it by this Constitution, the Electoral
Commission shall not be subject to the direction or control of any person or
authority”.
1.2 Structure of the National Electoral Commission
The National Electoral Commission has two components:
The Commission
The Secretariat
1.2.1 The Commission
The Commission is made up of the Chief Electoral Commissioner and Chairman
(CEC/Chairman) and four other Electoral Commissioners appointed by the President of
Sierra Leone after consultation with leaders of all registered political parties and approval by
Parliament. The Chief Electoral Commissioner & Chairman is the head of policy and
spokesperson of the Commission. The four other Electoral Commissioners are tasked with
oversight responsibilities of certain specific departments and regions (i.e. East, West, North and
South). The tenure of office of all Commissioners is five years and their terms and conditions of
2
service are prescribed by Parliament.
The Commission is the oversight and policy-making body responsible for the overall
supervision and control of the electoral processes. It is responsible for the preparation,
organization and the adoption of all necessary measures to ensure the conduct of credible
and acceptable elections.
1.2.2 The Secretariat
The Secretariat constitutes administrative and technical staff hired on ad hoc and permanent
basis, headed by the Executive Secretary (ES).
Composition of the Management:
The Executive Secretary (ES) (1)
Directors (8)
Assistant to the ES (1)
Executive Assistant to the CEC
Assistant to the Executive Secretary (1)
THE COMMISSIONERS
Mohamed N’fah-Alie Conteh
Chief Electoral Commissioner & Chairman
Stephen Aiah Mattia
Electoral Commissioner,
Eastern Region
Macksood Gibril Sesay
Electoral Commissioner,
Northern Region
Augusta Bockarie
Electoral Commissioner,
Southern Region
Miatta French
Electoral Commissioner,
Western Region
3
MANAGEMENT, 2015
Mr. William Addo Davies Executive Secretary
Abubakarr Koroma Director of Administration
Mbekay Sylvester Amara Director of IT & Voters Roll
Tamba T. Tormy Director of Human Resource, Gender
and Disability
Aiah E Sam Director of Internal Audit
Gladys Nancy John Director of Legal Affairs, Research
and Documentation Victor E.W. Samuels Director of Finance
Mr Abu Turay Executive Assistant to
CEC/Chair
Philip F. Kargbo Director of Operations
Edmond S. Alpha Director of Training &
Outreach
Mr. Sheku Johnny Assistant to Executive
Secretary
4
At the supervisory level are Unit Chiefs and Regional Chiefs of the respective regions;
followed by Electoral Officers and Assistant Electoral Officers at Unit and District levels.
At the operational level are the District Electoral Officers (DEOs), Assistant District
Electoral Officers (ADEOs), Voter Education and Training Officers (VETOs) based in the
districts. There are also Electoral Officers (EOs), Assistant Electoral Officers (AEOs) and
Administrative Assistants (AAs) servicing the eight departments at National Headquarters.
All planning for electoral processes are undertaken by Management and implemented by
the District staff in the districts.
1.2 End of tenure and Appointments
The Tenure of office of the Chief Electoral Commissioner/Chairman and other Electoral
Commissioners, as per section 32 (7a, b, c) of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, 1991, is five
years from the date of appointment or on attaining the age of sixty-five years or if any
circumstances arise which, if he/she were not a member of the Commission, would cause him
to be disqualified for appointment as such.
Thus pursuant to the above section the tenure of office of the former CEC/Chairperson Dr.
Christiana A. M. Thorpe after (9 years in Office) ended on the 16th August 2014.
1.2.1 End of Tenure of Office of Two Commissioners
The term of office of Mr. Stephen Aiah Mattia, the Electoral Commissioner; Eastern Region
ended on 30th March 2015. He was appointed on the 30th March 2010, while serving the
Commission as Executive Secretary.
In the same vein, the tenure of office for Electoral Commissioner, Western Region,
Commissioner, Miatta French ended on 18th January 2016. She was appointed on the 15th
January 2011.
1.3.2 Appointment of the Chief Electoral Commissioner and Chairman of the
Commission and Commissioner Northern Region
The Electoral Commissioner; Northern Region Mr. Mohamed N’fah-Alie Conteh, was
appointed Chief Electoral Commissioner and Chairman of the Commission on the 12th
February 2015.
5
The Director of Legal Affairs, Research and Documentation Mr. Macksood Gibrill Sesay was
appointed to the position of Electoral Commissioner Northern Region on the 31st March 2015.
6
CHAPTER TWO
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS OVERVIEW
2.0 Introduction
This chapter deals with the structure, functions and accomplishments of the eight (8)
Departments in the year of review i.e. 2015.
2.1 DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION
2.1.1 Structure and Staff
The department consists of an Administration Unit; and a Logistics & Procurement Unit
staffed by: 1 Director; 2 unit Chiefs; 4 Electoral Officers; 3 Assistant Electoral
Officers.
2.1.2 Functions
Its main tasks include:
Provision of administrative support services including the provision of offices
for all staff and ensuring the availability of adequate office equipment and
facilities,
Managing the assets of the Commission including buildings and land,
Managing the Commission’s fleet of vehicles and motor bikes,
Registering all incoming and outgoing mails as well as dispatch activities,
Security and safety of the Commission’s staff, buildings and equipment,
Procurement of goods services and works in accordance with the Public
Procurement Act, 2004 and National Public Procurement Authority guidelines.
2.1.3 Accomplishments
The major accomplishments of the Administration Department in 2015 include:
The compilation of the Commission’s assets at NEC headquarters, the
warehouse and all district offices.
Ensured the provision of internet services in all 14 district electoral offices.
Promoted environmental protection by planting Acacia trees within NEC
district lands and cultivated flowers at headquarters;
Collaborated with the Ministry of Works, Housing & Infrastructure and other;
relevant partners for the completion of the warehouse building;
7
Initiated technical discussions with the Ministry of Works, Housing &
Infrastructure for the construction of a regional office in Bo;
Provided storage facilities for the nationwide distribution of hygiene and
school materials to all schools by the Ministry of Education, Science &
Technology;
Facilitated the rehabilitation and other civil works for Bombali, Bo, Kambia,
Kenema, Kono and Pujehun district offices;
Procured and distributed electoral materials, including ballot papers and voter
education materials for the conduct of 3 Parliamentary and 5 Local Council
Bye-Elections as well as 8 Paramount Chieftaincy Elections;
Procured life jackets for staff working in riverine districts.
2.2 DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE
2.2.1 Structure and Staff
The department has one unit staffed by; 1 Director; 1 Unit Chief; 2 Electoral
Officers; 3Assistant Electoral Officers; and 1 Administrative Assistant.
2.2.2 Functions
The Department of Finance supports the Commission’s activities through finances
provided by the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) and Donors projects. Its role extends
to sourcing and monitoring funds from the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) and
Donors.
2.2.3 Accomplishments
Completed and submitted the 2014 statutory accounts to Audit Service Sierra Leone,
Completed the process of accessing the quarterly recurrent and programmes budgets,
Completed Public Expenditure Tracking forms (PET) for the period January to
December and received funds from GoSL accordingly;
Successfully rolled out all staff emoluments and related expenses including taxes,
NASSIT subscriptions and terminal benefits at the end of month on receipt of
monthly salary grants from GoSL accordingly;
Successfully conducted statutory NASSIT inspection for the year 2015,
8
International Monetary Fund (IMF) Quarterly Agency Report, budget calls circular,
2015-2017 report and updates of details of NEC accounts to MOFED were promptly
submitted;
Collated budget estimates of Strategic Plan 2015-2019 submitted from various
departments,
Participated in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework -Bilateral Budget
Discussion 2015 hosted by Ministry of Finance and Economic Development;
Participated in the Review of Budgetary Estimates hosted by the Parliamentary
Committee on Finance;
Financed staff capacity building in the use of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP)
“SAGE” accounting software applications to enhance management and administration
of the processes and procedures,
Provided financial services in the implementation of the MEST school material
distribution project .nationwide.
2.3 DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCE, GENDER AND DISABILITY
2.3.1 Structure and Staff
The Department comprises two units; the Human Resource Unit and Gender and Disability
Unit; staffed by: 1 Director; 2 Unit Chiefs; 2 Electoral Officers; and 2 Assistant
Electoral Officers.
2.3.2 Functions
2.3.2.1 The Human Resource Unit
The Human Resource unit is responsible for the day-to-day management of the
Commission’s Human Resource, in accordance with the Commission’s Human Resource
Management Policy, Standing Orders (A, B and C) and Labour Laws of Sierra Leone.
Besides, the unit also conducts annual performance appraisals and deals with other core
personnel management functions including capacity building.
2.3.2.2 Gender and Disability Unit
The Gender and Disability unit is responsible for articulating gender and disability issues
for mainstreaming into election management or administration in line with Laws of
Sierra Leone. The unit also encourages meaningful participation of all women and
person’s with disability in line with the principles of inclusive participation in all
electoral processes.
9
2.3.3 Accomplishments of the Human Resource Unit
2.3.3.1 Human Resource Unit
Facilitated the payment of all emoluments including annual leave allowances,
end of service benefits, and separation due to death, to all affected staff.
Addressed all staff personnel, administrative and disciplinary issues.
Facilitated the recruitment of Consultants for;
Development of Gender and Disability Policies,
Establishment of Human Resource Management Information System (HRMIS),
GIS/GPS Training for field data capture and establishment of the system,
Fixed Asset Management,
Development of IT policy and Finance management,
Development of Strategic Plan for the Commission, 2015 - 2019
The Consultants contracted succeeded in producing:
The final copies of the Strategic Plan (2015-2019),
The final copies of Gender and Disability Policies,
Installation of HRMIS software application,
Systems initialization of HRMIS by inputting of staff details for further use.
Operational Review of HRMIS and the Development of Logical Framework and
Standing Order ‘B’
IT policy
Other staffs were recruited as;
Generator Attendant,
Assistant Driver/Motor Mechanics,
Voter Education & Training Officers (VETOs) for the vacant positions in Bo,
Kenema, Kono, Koinadugu, Tonkolili Districts and Bonthe Mainland.
10
2.3.3.1.2 Capacity Development
Collaborated with training department to train relevant staff as follows:
Thematic Professional Development
Gender and Disability Policies.
HRMIS for the effective management of staff data, payroll systems and benefits.
ERP “Sage” Evolution Accounting Software to improve knowledge, capacity in
financial management and easy retrieval of staff records,
Local and Public Procurement
Electoral Observation Missions
Facilitated electoral observation missions for commissioners and selected staff
to observe Presidential and Parliamentary elections in Nigeria, Guinea,
Tanzania, and Ivory Coast as in the table below:
Table 1: Electoral Observation Missions
ELECTORAL OBSERVATION MISSIONS
SN Date Names Designation Election
Observed
Country
1. 8th October
2015
Abubakarr Koroma Director of Admin Presidential &
Parliamentary
Guinea
2. 8th October
2015
Patricia F. Sesay VETO - Port Loko Presidential &
Parliamentary
Guinea
3. 8th October
2015
Larry Fangawa ADEO – Kailahun Presidential &
Parliamentary
Guinea
4. 16th October
2015
Macksood G. Sesay Commissioner.
North
Presidential &
Parliamentary
Tanzania
5. 20th October
2015
Augusta Bockarie Commissioner.
South
Presidential &
Parliamentary
Ivory
Coast
6. 20th October
2015
Miatta French Commissioner
West
Presidential &
Parliamentary
Ivory
Coast
7. 20th October
2015
Sheku C. Johnny Assistant to the
Executive Secretary
Presidential &
Parliamentary
Ivory
Coast
8.
23rd November
2015
Abu Turay Executive Asst. to
Chief Electoral
Commissioner
Presidential &
Parliamentary
Burkina
Faso
11
Table 2: Staff Capacity Development
STAFF CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT
Date Names Designation Course Title Institution
12th -16th
October 2015
William Addo
Davies
Executive
Secretary
Certificate Training
on Strategic
Electoral Reform
Royal Institute of
Public
Administration,
England
26th – 30th
October 2015
Aiah E. Sam Director Internal
Audit
Certificate Training
on Procurement
Audit
Royal Institute of
Public
Administration,
England
23rd Nov. – 4th
December 2015
Albert
Massaquoi
Chief of External
Relations
Certificate in
Public Relations
and Working with
the Media
Royal Institute of
Public
Administration,
England
November 2015 NEC Staff NEC Staff The Use of Tactile
Ballot Guide
Pent House, NEC
HQ
6th August 2015 NEC Staff HR Staff Administration of
Questionnaire to
Head of Institution
& Head of
HR/Administration
NEC Office
17th to 23rd
August 2015
Internal Audit Internal Audit
Staff
Development of
Internal Audit
Manual
Njala,
Mokonde
5th to 10th
December 2015
Abu Turay/
Mrs. Elizabeth
Bureh
Executive
Assistant to the
Chief Electoral
Commissioner
and Chief of
Administration,
respectively.
Certificate in
Elections
management
University of
Legon, Ghana
2.3.3.2 Gender & Disability
As part of its inclusive participatory drive in the electoral process, the Department;
developed a Disability Policy which will guide in the implementation of its activities,
Facilitated translation of the Disability policy into Braille for the Blind, Sign &
Pictorial versions for Deaf and Dump, and various Local Languages of illiterate
beneficiaries,
12
Established bi-lateral relationship and activated networking with key stakeholders
including MSWG&CA, SLUDI and Disability Commission on Gender and
Disability issues,
Translated FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) on the Paramount Chieftaincy and
bye elections into braille version for blind voters,
Succeeded in re-introducing the use of the tactile ballot guide in the just concluded
Paramount Chieftaincy and bye-elections,
Collaborated with other Departments in the implementation of projects assigned to the
Commission,
Developed the Gender and Disability Policies for dissemination into the various
regions,
2.4 DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY AND VOTERS ROLL
2.4.1 Structure
The Department is staffed by: 1 Director; 1 Unit Chief, 6 Electoral Officers and 2
Assistant Electoral Officers
2.4.2 Functions
The Information Technology and Voters Roll Department is responsible for the
management of the Commission’s Information Technology & Communication Systems as
well as providing support to electoral operations relating to data analysis, presentations and
storage.
2.4.3 Accomplishments
2.4.3.1 Support to Elections
Prepared the final voters’ register of Chiefdom Councillors from the revised gazette
list of Councillors,
Developed nomination software to capture the details and photograph of successful
aspirants who went through the declaration process for Paramount Chieftaincy
Elections. This software makes for easier tracking and documentation of ruling houses
and contestants of the paramount chieftaincy elections in Sierra Leone,
13
Developed the artworks and printed all ballots and “Know-Your-Candidates”, posters
for the 8 Paramount Chieftaincy Elections, conducted in 2015.
Printed the Final Voters’ Register (FVR) for the five (5) Local Council and three (3)
Constituency Bye-elections, One (1) Village Headman election, and eight (8)
Paramount Chieftaincy Elections,
Developed the ballot and poster artworks for the eight bye-elections conducted,
Developed nomination software to capture the details and photograph of aspiring
candidates for the Village Head Bye-election in Regent village,
Developed a tally software for the village head bye-election held in Regent Village,
Tallied all the bye-elections in their respective districts,
Conducted a test transmission of election results from the polling stations in Bonthe
within 45 minutes after the close of polls using a mobile device (U500) supplied by
SMARTMATIC company. The work with SMARTMATIC Company proved to be a
very good prospective and viable option for election results transmission in future
general elections. This will help the Commission announce all results within 48hrs
after the close of polls.
Global Positioning System/Geographic Information System (GIS/GPS) Training
IT Staff were trained on the use of the ArcGIS 10.2.2 Software and the GARMIN
65sc GPS hand set,
District staffs were trained on GIS/GPS field data capture, and documentation/entry
using the GARMIN 65sc GPS hand set,
Voter Registration Centres (VRC) updating
Updated GPS/GIS data of VRCs nationwide using ArcGIS 10.2.2 software
application.
Specialized Projects: Collaborated with the National Registration Secretariat (NRS) in
the implementation of the National Civil Registration project,
In collaboration with the National Registration Secretariat on the Civil Registration System
Servers and other equipment for the project have been installed at Tower Hill,
Fibre Optic link between NRS, NEC Tower Hill and the Wellington Data Centre in
Freetown has been established for the synchronization of data,
14
NEC IT staff joined the NRS staff to do a pilot registration using the new civil
registration software targeting specific communities of interest to NaCSA in over 400
villages in five districts (Kambia, Bombali, Kono, Moyamba & Western Rural),
Hosted NEXTENT and SMARTMATIC Information Technology based companies in
their marketing drive for engagement with NEC in voter registration and related
electoral administrative and management processes in the electoral calendar 2015-
2019.
2.5 DEPARTMENT OF INTERNAL AUDIT
2.5.1 Structure
The department has 1 unit
Staffs include: 1 Director, 1 Unit Chief, 1 Electoral Officer, and 1 Assistant Electoral
Officer
2.5.2 Functions
The Department is responsible for internal control framework of the Commission. It
examines the effectiveness of all levels of Management in their use of the
Commission’s resources in compliance with established procurement, financial policies and
procedures. It monitors the compliance with national statutory regulations.
1.5.3 Accomplishments
2.5.3.1 Audit Committee
The Commission has an Audit Committee. It is a committee of persons that oversees the
entity’s auditing and financial reporting. National Electoral Commission has a three man
committee comprising Chartered Accountants who have worked for both private and public
sector organizations in Sierra Leone. The Chairman has a vast working knowledge of the
Commission’s set-up as he was one of the members of the Transitional Support Secretariat
(TSS), a body formed to restructure the NEC. The Committee meets once in every quarter
and at other times on an emergency basis.
The department produced Annual Audit Plan for 2015 which was approved by the
Audit Committee and the Board of Commissioners for implementation;
Held first quarterly Audit Committee meeting and other emergency Audit Committee
meetings; the Committee met 5 times i.e. 4 quarterly meetings and 1 emergency
meeting;
15
The Audit Committee met with the Board of Commissioners to discuss important
matters highlighted in the Internal Audit Reports, i.e. the implementation of an
accounting software for the Finance Department through the hiring of a Consultant,
the development of an Internal Audit manual which will serve as a guide for the
Internal Audit Staff in conducting an audit and hiring of a Consultant to do a Fixed
management Policy and tagging/coding of fixed assets;
Developed a draft Annual Audit Plan for 2016 which was reviewed and approved by
the Audit Committee.
2.5.3.2 Integrity Management Committee
The Director and Chief attended meetings of the Anti-Corruption Commission
Strategy working Group (Integrity Management Committee-IMC);
Updated Management on the progress of the Integrity Management Committee;
Integrity management Committee meeting was held to track and address any possible
emerging corruption issues within the Commission.
2.5.3.3 Audit Programs
Submitted draft report on 2014 Statutory Accounts;
Completed opening year stock taking and petty cash count;
Follow–up Audit on all External and Internal Audit reports from 2011- 2014;
Completed First and second quarter audit reviews on Wellington Warehouse, Drivers
Log book, and Petty Cash;
The Internal Audit Department personnel attended a one week session together with
the Audit Committee on the development of an Internal Audit Manual for the
Commission. The session concluded on the development of the structure of the
Manual and an Inception Report sent to the Commission outlining the issues and
concerns identified for immediate action,
The Director of Internal Audit attended a training program on Procurement Audit at
Royal Institute of Public Administration (RIPA) International in London during
October 2015,
Produced a draft report on Float management audit to review the completeness and
authenticity of supporting documents,
Prepared an End of year activity update on various departments within the
Commission.
Daily reviews of documents for payment,
16
2.6 DEPARTMENT OF LEGAL AFFAIRS, RESEARCH AND
DOCUMENTATION
2.6.1 Structure
The Department of Legal Affairs, Research and Documentation consist of the Legal
Affairs Unit and Research & Documentation Unit. Work in the Legal Affairs Unit is
augmented with the services of four Legal Practitioners retained on contract basis.
The Department is staffed by: 1 Director, 2 Unit Chiefs, 2 Electoral Officers, and 1
Assistant Electoral Officer.
2.6.2 Functions
2.6.2.1 Legal Affairs
The Legal Affairs Unit manages and coordinates all legal related activities of the
Commission. These include; addressing litigation issues, preparing tenancy agreements,
contracts, conveyances, gazetting of election related public notices and results declaration. It
is also concerned with provision of legal opinion and advice through the coordination of the
activities of four Legal Retainers.
2.6.2.2 Research and Documentation
The Research and Documentation unit facilitates all research activities, and institutional
memory which it seeks to preserve through maintenance of proper documentation of NEC
activities and archiving. It is also responsible for the monitoring and evaluation of all
operational and administrative activities; and the management of the resource centre which
is open to both staff and the public for reference purposes.
1.6.3 Accomplishments of the Legal Affairs Unit
Completed the compilation of all electoral regulations for consolidation by the
Government Printing Department;
Provided legal advice to the Commission on related matters;
Prepared tenancy agreements and Conveyances for NEC rented premises and
properties;
Completed the first phase of the review of the Public Elections Act 2012 which is
now being drafted into a Bill by the Law Reform Commission;
17
Formed a committee for drafting of the referendum bill; comprising the Legal
Retainers, Departmental staff and other legal practitioners for the pending
referendum;
Held workshop for the drafting of Referendum Bill in collaboration with the Chief
Technical Adviser (CTA) of the Constitutional Review Committee (CRC), which
culminated into the drafting of a Referendum bill in collaboration with Law Reform
Commission;
Submitted all Public Notices on Nominations, Declaration Dates, Submission of
Candidate lists for all elections conducted to the Government Printers for gazetting
and publication;
Coordinated the printing of all Chiefdom Councilors gazettes for the Paramount
Chieftaincy (PC) elections in eight chiefdoms; Yawei, and Dea in the Kailahun
district; Jiama Bongor and Valunya in Bo Distict; Dema and Yawbeko in Bonthe
district; Temdale in Moyamba District and Kholifa Mabang in Tonkolili District,
Attended to all litigations at various levels of judicature.
Table 3: Court Matters
COURT MATTERS
No CASE TITLE FACTS Chiefdom
/ District /
Region
COURT STATUS
/REMARKS
MOHAMED
TURAY
VS.
VICTOR
VANDI, THE
NATIONAL
ELECTORAL
COMMISSION
& THE
POLITICAL
PARTIES
REGISTRATIO
N
COMMISSION
The Petitioner petitioned the outcome of
the November 14th 2015 Local Council
Bye-Election in Ward 34, Constituency 12,
Kenema District. He prayed for an Interim
Injunction to prevent the 2nd & 3rd
Respondents from publishing the result in
the National Gazette as required by law on
the grounds that the 1st Respondent used
his membership of the Sierra Leone
Peoples Party (SLPP) and his former
executive position of Constituency 12
Secretary General in the same to convince
voters of his status as the SLPP’s
Independent candidate for the said Ward
and succeeded in swaying voters to his
victory.
Kenema
District,
Eastern
Region
High
Court
Pending court
hearing.
18
No CASE TITLE FACTS Chiefdom
/ District /
Region
COURT STATUS
/REMARKS
SLPP & PMDC
VS.
COMMISSION
ERS OF
NORTHERN,
SOUTHERN
REGIONS,
NEC &
OTHERS
The Plaintiffs petitioned the manner of
appointment of the two Electoral
Commissioners for the Northern and
Southern Regions (Macksood G. Sesay and
Augusta N. Bockarie respectively), on the
grounds that H. E. President Ernest Bai
Koroma did not consult the two political
parties in the appointment of the two
Commissioners.
National
High
Court
The petition
was
dismissed on
ground of
lack of
substantial
evidence for
the
Respondents
to be
prosecuted.
ABDUL
RAHMAN
THULLAH
VS.
ABUBAKARR
THULLAH &
OTHERS
The Petitioner petitioned the August 16th
2014 Paramount Chieftaincy Election and
its outcome on the grounds of irregularities
and sought for an injunction to debar the
acceptance of the result and the crowning
of the winner, Abubakarr Thullah (1st
Respondent), as Paramount Chief of the
Chiefdom. His petition was based on the
allegation that there were names on the
October 30th 2013 Gazetted list of
Councillors that were non-existent.
Malal
Mara
Chiefdom,
Tonkolili
District,
Northern
Region
High
Court
On-going
JOSEPH B.
ARUNA
GBONDO &
OTHERS
VS.
NATIONAL
ELECTORAL
COMMISSION
& OTHERS
The Petitioners were grossly dissatisfied
with the conduct of the preliminaries
leading to the conduct of the November
24th, 2015 Paramount Chieftaincy Election.
They therefore sought for an Interim
Injunction restraining the Respondents
from conducting the said election.
Jawei
Chiefdom,
Kailahun
District,
Eastern
Region
High
Court
Determined.
The matter
by the
Petitioner
was vacated
and the
election
slated for
November
24th was
allowed by
the
Honourable
Court to
proceed.
19
Table 4: Paramount Chieftaincy Court Matters
PARAMOUNT CHIEFTAINCY COURT MATTERS
No CASE TITLE FACTS Chiefdo
m /
District /
Region
COU
RT
STATUS
/REMARKS
MARGARET
G. BAIO-
GBANIE
VS.
BORBOR
FEFEGULAR
KAMBA,
NATIONAL
ELECTORAL
COMMISSION
& OTHERS
The Petitioner was one of the
seven candidates in the November
28th, 2015 Paramount Chieftaincy
Election held in the Chiefdom.
She prayed that the election be
nullified by the Honourable Court
on the grounds of irregularities in
the electoral process.
Valunya
Chiefdom
, Bo
District,
Southern
Region
High
Court
Pending court
hearing.
MATILDA
MANYEH
KAIKAI-
YIMBO,
SOLOMON
YIMBO &
OTHERS
VS.
JOSEPH
STEVENS B.
SOLONGI,
NATIONAL
ELECTORAL
COMMISSION
& OTHERS
In the Paramount Chieftaincy
Election of 30th November, 2015,
the Petitioners objected to the
declaration of Joseph Stevens B
Solongi (1st Respondent) on the
grounds that he does not hail from
a Ruling House within the
Timdale Chiefdom as required by
s. 8(1) & (2) of the Paramount
Chieftaincy Act (Act No. 10 of
2009); that the Provincial
Secretary-South, acting as the
Presiding Officer, failed to follow
the provisions of s. 13(3) of the
Act. They therefore prayed that
the honourable Court annulled the
said election.
Timdale
Chiefdom
,
Moyamba
District,
Southern
Region
High
Court
Pending court
hearing.
2.6.4 Accomplishments of the Research & Documentation Unit.
Documented and compiled the following accordingly:
Relevant audio & visual materials of key operational processes in Paramount
Chieftaincy and Bye Elections nationwide,
Nationwide Stakeholders validation of 2015-2019 Strategic Plan,
Stakeholders consensus building on “Challenges to the Electoral Cycle 2015-2019,”
20
Produced the first quarter UNDP report for the Commission,
Completed compilation and binding of all 2014 gazettes and Newspapers with NEC
related articles,
Embarked on reference resource mobilization drive as part of upgrading the resource
center for which hard and soft copy publications were received from International
IDEA,
Developed a Monitoring and Evaluation framework; the monitoring matrix is being
developed for evaluation of related activities,
In collaboration with hired Consultants and other departments:
Completed development of the NEC 2015-2019 Strategic Plan through consultative
meetings, interviewing of stakeholders, regional and national validation workshops,
Compiled a documentary film on the activities of the Commission covering the 2007
and 2012 elections; and elections conducted in 2015.
2.7 DEPARTMENT OF TRAINING AND OUTREACH
2.7.1 Structure
The Department of Training and Outreach consists of the Training, Procedures and Voter
Education Unit, and External Relations/ Outreach Unit.
Staffs include: 1 Director, 2 Unit Chiefs, 2 Electoral Officers and 2 Assistant Electoral
Officers
2.7.2 Functions
2.7.2.1 Training, Procedures and Voter Education
The Training, Procedures and Voter Education Unit is responsible for training NEC
and related personnel on electoral processes, building the capacities of staff for
professional growth, developing election procedures and providing voter education/
sensitization for the populace on election and civic matters.
The unit in collaboration with the Human Resource unit also organizes and coordinates all
internal and external trainings in order to enhance staff capacity building. The unit is
responsible for developing user friendly manuals and facilitating effective electoral
education for various electoral processes.
21
2.7.2.2 External Relations/ Outreach Unit
This Unit deals with media and public relation functions including liaison with political parties
and other key stakeholders at both national and international levels. It promotes the
Commission’s mission, through information sharing with stakeholders and the electorate. Its
activities include; radio discussions at national and community levels, update of the NEC
website, publishing of NEC newsletters and accreditation of election observers both local and
international for all elections conducted by NEC.
2.7.3 Accomplishments
2.7.3.1 Training, Procedures and Voter Education Unit
Training
Facilitated trainings on;
The Human Resource Management Information System (HRMIS) Training of
Trainers (ToT) in the Department,
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) “SAGE” Accounting software application for
staff of Finance and Procurement & Logistics Units,
The use of the ArcGIS 10.2.2 Software and the GARMIN 65sc GPS hand set for IT
staff,
GPS/GIS data capture for District field staff using the GARMIN 65sc GPS hand set,
Mainstreaming of Disability issues in Election Management for District staff and
National Head Quarter Staff,
Mainstreaming Gender issues in Election Management for district and National
Headquarter staff,
Electoral calendar preparation,
Coordinated designing of Audit Manual for training of Audit Personnel,
Coordinated the Situation Room project of MEST; an IT system establishment by
which real time information on issues of relevance is shared with appropriate
authorities at Regional and National levels from the districts.
Electoral Education
Provided Feedback on OSIWA grant sponsored project put on hold in compliance
with the Public Health Emergency regulation for Ebola; to give status report to
donor/sponsor on implementation of their project.
22
For the implementation of the Peace Education Project for First Time Voters,
collaborated with other organizations to sponsor the “Education Trade Fair” held at
the Saint Joseph’s Convent Secondary School grounds between 20th December 2015
and 2nd January 2016.
Designed specifications for all Voter Education messaging materials like, Frequently
Asked Question(FAQs), Quick Reference Guides (QRG), Know Your Candidates
(KYC), How to Mark the Ballots, Record of Seals Forms (RSF), Mock Ballots (MB),
and Reconciliation and Result Forms(RRF); on the Challenges on the Electoral
Calendar (2015-2019) and the way forward , Bye Elections and Paramount
Chieftaincy elections.
Procedures
Provided management support services for development of procedures manuals
relevant for training of ad hoc staff for all Paramount chieftaincy elections and bye
elections.
Developed customised standard operating procedures for Ebola protection/prevention
on all electoral activities.
Updated design of Quick Reference Guides on the Roles/Responsibilities of Polling
Staff and Party agents or Observers in conducting all elections.
Strategic Plan
Reviewed NEC Program of Activities For (2010 – 2014) Strategic Plan, to critically
analyse the strategic plan for further necessary action in preparation of the 2015-2019
strategic plan.
Reviewed the Thematic Areas of NEC 2010-2014 Strategic Plan, to identify areas of
reinforcement in the next strategic plan, 2015 to 2019.
Organized Strategic plan internal workshop at headquarters, to identify the suitability
and feasibility of the contents with stakeholders.
Produced the final draft of the strategic plan, for presentation to Stakeholders for
validation at regional and national workshop sessions.
External Relations and Outreach Unit
Successfully coordinated consultation, sensitization meetings, information campaigns
and engagements at Regional level with stakeholders like Donors, Political Parties,
23
Paramount Chiefs, Civil Society Organizations on Challenges to the Electoral Cycle
(2015-2019) and the way forward.
External Relations
Briefed district stakeholders on the Memorandum of Understanding that NEC signed with the
Ministry of Education, Science & Technology (MEST) on the distribution of educational and
hygiene materials to educational institutions nationwide.
Answered questions from the public regarding the NEC’s Position Paper on the
implications of the postponed National Census on the Commission’s electoral
timeline,
Made input in the Curriculum Review Workshop of Mass Communication
Department at the Fourah Bay College.
News Bulletin
Produced and facilitated the distribution of NEC news bulletin on current activities to
key stakeholder institutions, development partners, civil society organizations,
political parties.
Courtesy Calls by the Chief Electoral Commissioner/Chairman to Political Parties,
Ministries, Departments and Agencies, Civil Society Organizations
After taking the oath of office, the Chief Electoral Commissioner and Chairman of the
National Electoral Commission embarked on a confidence building drive to enhance
meaningful participation with stakeholders in all electoral processes. Courtesy calls were
exchanged with several stakeholder institutions, MDAs based on related themes and
perspectives of confidence building and camaraderie in Election Management and
Administration.
Below is a summary of issues captured during the exchange of courtesy calls:
24
Table 5: Courtesy Calls
DATE STAKEHOLDER ISSUES
12th February
2015
Media/FM 98.1 1.Successes of the Commission and his personal vision
17th February
2015
Media/SLBC TV 1.Preserving NEC’s Vision,
2. Protecting NEC against unnecessary court actions,
3. Enhancing attractive/competitive reward system for
staff.
4. Networking with related EMBs and MDAs.
20th February
2015
British High
Commissioner,
DFID
1. Challenges to the electoral calendar due to
postponement of the Population and Housing Census.
2. Diaspora registration
3. Fate of INEACE
23rd February
2015
Human Rights
Commission
1. Process of developing the 2015-2019 Strategic Plan
2. appeal to support the “new NEC”
26th February
2015
National
Commission for
Democracy
1. Pledge of support for NEC and good working
Relationship.
25th – 27th
February 2015
UNDP, SLP,
MLG&RD
1. Support for democratic tenets within the mandate of
NEC as spelt out in the Legal Framework.
3rd March
2015
NEC Audit
Committee
1. standard procedures
3rd – 10th
March 2015
Registered Political
Parties. (APC, NDA,
PMDC, SLPP ,PDP,
)
NEW
OSIWA
1.Soliciting cooperation on how to improve on electoral
processes based on international best practices
2. Improved management processes
- Strategic Plan
- Annual work plan
- Staff capacity building
3. Collaboration with NRS for civil register
4. Review of the current nomination fees
25
Table 6: Courtesy Call on Political parties
Political
Parties
Issues/Concern(s) Institution(s)
Responsible
Comments
SLPP, NDA,
RUFP, PDP,
CDP, UNPP,
PMDC
Exorbitant
Nomination
fees
NEC, PPRC,
Parliament
A review of the current exorbitant
candidate’s nomination fees that will
enable minority political parties
participate fully in all electoral contests.
The UDM stated that it was not averse to
the hike in nomination fees.
NDA, PDP,
UNPP, RUFP,
CDP, SLPP
and PMDC
Political Party
Financing
PPRC AND
GoSL
Political Parties noted that the
efficient functioning of political
parties as institutions hinged on
finance; therefore political parties
should be financed from state
subvention in order for them to be
viable in the electoral process.
Review of
regulations on
Lease
Agreement for
political party
offices
PPRC AND
GoSL
Concerns from Landlords on the issue
of potential violence by party
supporters leading to destruction of
their property and the high rate levied
on property rental which is
tantamount on parties’ capability to
be able to function as a national
entity.
NDA, PDP,
UNPP, RUFP,
CDP, SLPP,
and PMDC
Training and
Capacity
Building
Opportunities
NEC and
PPRC
Political Parties noted with grave
concern the issue of enhancing training
and capacity building programmes for
their party members, agents and
supporters.
NDA, PDP,
UNPP, RUFP,
CDP, SLPP,
PMDC
Limited access to
the State
Broadcaster
(SLBC)
PPRC, NEC,
IMC, SLBC
RUFP, SLPP and PMDC mentioned the
limited access that some political parties
have to air their views on state
broadcaster which should be accessed by
all political parties devoid of sentiments.
PDP Gender
Discrimination
PPRC,
Political
Parties
PDP noted that this was depicted in the
2012 elections especially in the award of
party symbols. Thus, the need for
capacity building especially among
women.
NDA, PDP,
CDP, RUFP,
UNPP, SLPP,
APC, UDM,
The Independence
of NEC
NEC All political parties emphasized the need
for NEC to be independent and
professional in the dispensation of its
electoral mandate.
26
PMDC
UDM Independent
candidates for
Presidential
contest
CRC, PPRC,
NEC
Universal suffrage should be extended to
individuals who may wish to present
themselves as independent candidates for
Presidential contests, as it applies to both
Local Government and parliamentary
elections
2.8 DEPARTMENT OF OPERATIONS
2.8.1 Structure
The Operations Department consists of the Field Coordination Unit at the National Headquarters
and staff of the 14 NEC Electoral Districts.
2.8.1.1 Field Coordination Unit
Staffs include: 1 Director, 4 Regional Chief/Field Liaison Officers, 2 Electoral
Officers; and 1 Assistant Electoral Officer.
2.8.1.2 District field staff
Staffs include: 14 District Electoral Officers, 14 Assistant District Electoral Officers, 15
Voter Education & Training Officers, 15 Office Assistants, and 3 Regional
Administrative Assistants.
2.8.2 Functions
The Operations Department is responsible for developing the general electoral
operational plan as well as coordinating and ensuring its implementation. It has the overall
responsibility of executing the strategies and activities of the Commission in the
districts. The Department also plays a leading role in the delimitation of Electoral
Boundaries and all elections related activities both at headquarters and district levels i.e.
Voter Registration and Election Security among others.
2.8.3 Accomplishments
The Departments recorded the following accomplishments.
Besides the coordination and management support services to the Commission for execution
of all electoral and relevant processes in the districts, the department successfully:
27
Conducted eight (8) Paramount Chieftaincy Elections, Five (5) Local Council Ward
Bye Elections, three (3) Parliamentary Bye Elections and one (1) Village Headman
election,
Coordinated GPS/GIS field data capture for identification, verification and mapping
of Voter Registration Centres nationwide,
Regular updates on all operational processes for stakeholders at relevant forums
including Office of National Security/National Security Coordinating Committee
Group (ONS/NSCCG), Provincial Security Committee (PROSEC), District Security
Committee (DISEC) and Election Basket Fund Steering Committee,
Prepared operational plans and budgets for the conduct of bye-elections; Paramount
Chieftaincy Elections; Referendum; Boundary Delimitation and Update of the Voters’
Register.
2.8.3.2 Collaboration
Collaborated with:
National Registration Secretariat (NRS) in the planning process for the compilation
of a proposed National Civil Register;
Statistics Sierra Leone for the preparation of a Memorandum of Understanding on
Boundary Delimitation (BD) for the 2015-2019 electoral cycle and the BD
Committee;
The Ministry of Education Science and Technology (MEST), to coordinate the
distribution of Cleansing, Hygiene and Learning materials to all educational
institutions nationwide for the reopening of schools;
Save the Children to coordinate distribution of teaching materials to schools in the
districts of Pujehun and Kailahun for the reopening of schools.
28
CHAPTER THREE
CONDUCT OF ELECTIONS IN 2015
3.0 INTRODUCTION
By the powers vested in it under sections 33 of the Constitution of Sierra Leone, 1991 (Act No.
6 of 1991, and pursuant to the provisions of sections 39(1) of the said Constitution; sections
69(1) and 70(1) of the Public Elections Act, 2012 (Act No 4 of 2012); sections 9 and 10(1) of
the Local Government Act, 2004 (Act No 1 of 2004); and sections 6 and 9 of statutory
Instrument No 16 of 2005, the National Electoral Commission conducted three (3)
Parliamentary bye elections, five (5) Local Council Ward bye elections and, one (1) Village
Head bye election in the Western Area Rural District, from the period 14th November to 30th
December, 2015. Due to the regulations of the Public Health emergency in response to the
Ebola virus disease outbreak, no elections were conducted within the first half year of 2015.
Besides the above public (bye) elections that fall exclusively within the mandate of NEC,
Eight (8) Paramount Chieftaincy Elections were also conducted in collaboration with Ministry
of Local Government and Rural Development.
3.1 PARLIAMENTARY BYE ELECTIONS
Three (3) bye elections in Constituencies, 025, Kono District; 030 Bombali District and 107
of Western Area Urban District were done to fill in vacancies due to the death of
Parliamentarians elected in 2012. The details are as follows:
3.1.1 CONSTITUENCY 107 (Western Area Urban District): Saturday, 14th November,
2015
The vacancy in Constituency 107 occurred as a result of the death of Hon. Eugene Bliss
Osho-Williams (RIP) of the All Peoples Congress (APC) on the 12th June, 2015.
The nominations for the Parliamentary bye election were held on the 8th October, 2015; while
the election was successfully conducted on Saturday, 14th November, 2015.
Four Political Parties contested the Parliamentary Bye-Election as follows:
The All Peoples Congress (APC), Alliance Democratic Party (ADP), the Peoples Movement
for Democratic Change (PMDC) and the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP).
The Sierra Leone (SLP) provided security in all the polling centres in the Constituency.
29
Political Party agents, the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC), the National
Elections Watch (NEW), All Political Parties Youth Association (APPYA), All Political
Parties Women’s Association (APPWA), Democracy Sierra Leone, Office of National
Security (ONS), Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), and the Human Rights
Commission, Sierra Leone (HRCSL), observed the bye-election on polling day and the
tallying of results at the NEC Tally Centre at Tower Hill, in Freetown.
The Office of National Security (ONS), National Commission for Democracy (NCD) and
some Media Houses also observed the tallying process at the NEC Data Centre at Tower Hill,
in Freetown.
Analysis of the Results:
Seventeen (17) polling centres resul ts were entered i n t o the resu l t
database , representing 100% of all polling centres in the Constituency.
The voter turnout was 8,786 out of a voter register of 34,322; giving a percentage
turnout of 25.6 %;
The total number of valid votes cast was 8,162
There were 624 invalid votes, representing 25.61% of total votes cast.
The results were as follows:
Table 7: Results of election in Constituency 107
Constituency 107–Western Urban District, 14th day of November, 2015.
Candidate Name Political Party Votes Obtained %
KALOKOH Saidu ADP 287 03
KAMARA Alhaji M SLPP 2,251 28
KOWA Francis E APC 5,482 67
KARGBO Ibrahim B. PMDC 142 02
Total Valid Votes 8,162 100
30
Figure 1: Results of election in Constituency 107
Table 8: Constituency 107 Turnout
Constituency 107 Turnout
Valid Votes 8,162
Invalid Votes 624
Total Votes Cast 8,786
Registered Voters 34,322
% Turnout 25.60
WINNER: Therefore, KOWA Francis E. of the All Peoples Congress Party, who having
polled 5,482, being the highest number of valid votes cast, was duly elected Member of
Parliament for Constituency 107 in the Western Area Urban District.
3.1.2 CONSTITUENCY 030 (Bombali District): Saturday, 12th December, 2015
The v a c a n c y i n Constituency 030 occurred as a result of the death of Hon. Dr. Thomas
Mark Turay (RIP), Member of Parliament of the All Peoples Congress (APC), representing
Constituency 030, Bombali District, which sad event took place in Makeni on Saturday 5th
September, 2015.
31
The nominations for the Parliamentary bye election were held on the 15th October, 2015;
while the election was successfully conducted on Saturday, 12th December, 2015.
Three (3) Political Parties contested the Parliamentary Bye-Election as follows: The All
Peoples Congress (APC), Alliance Democratic Party (ADP), and the Sierra Leone Peoples
Party (SLPP).
The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) provided security in all the polling centres in the
Constituency.
Political Party agents, the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC), the National
Commission for Democracy (NCD), the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), the
Human Rights Commission, Sierra Leone (HRCSL) and other Local Civil Society
Organizations observed the bye-election on polling day and the tallying of results at the NEC
District Office Tally Centre in Makeni.
The Office of National Security (ONS), National Commission for Democracy (NCD) and
some Media Houses also observed the tallying process at the NEC Bombali District
Office Tally Centre in Makeni.
Analysis of the Results:
Twenty-six (26) polling centres results were entered i n t o the resu l t
database , representing 100% of all polling centres in the Constituency.
The voter turnout was 11,023 out of a voter register of 20,788; giving a percentage
turnout of 53.0 %;
The total number of valid votes cast was 10,219 representing 92.7% of total votes
cast.
There were 804 invalid votes, representing 7.3% of total votes cast.
32
The results were as follows:
Table 9: Summary of constituency 030 bye-election results
Constituency 30–Bombali District, 12th day of December, 2015.
Candidate Name Political Party Votes Obtained %
MANSARAY Mohamed K ADP 3894 38.11
SESAY Edward C. SLPP 725 7.09
KARGBO Ibrahim B. APC 5600 54.8
Total Valid Votes 10,219 100.00
Figure 2: Constituency 030- Votes obtained by Candidates
Table 10: Turn-out for constituency 030 bye-election
Constituency 030 Turnout
Valid Votes 10,219
Invalid Votes 804
Total Votes Cast 11,023
Registered Voters 20,788
% Turnout 53.03
33
WINNER: Therefore, KARGBO Ibrahim B. of the All People Congress Party, who having
polled 5,600, being the highest number of valid votes cast, was duly elected Member of
Parliament for Constituency 030 in the Bombali District.
3.1.3 CONSTITUENCY 025 (Kono District): Saturday, 19th December, 2015.
The vacancy in Constituency 025 occurred as a result of the death of Hon. Augustine
Bockarie Torto (RIP), Member of Parliament of the All Peoples Congress (APC),
representing Constituency 025, Kono District, which sad event took place on Friday 9th
October, 2015.
The nominations for the Parliamentary bye election were held on the 14th and 16th October,
2015; while the election was successfully conducted on Saturday, 19th December, 2015.
Two (2) Political Parties contested the Parliamentary bye-election as follows: The All
Peoples Congress (APC), and the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP).
The Sierra Leone Police (SLP) provided security in all the polling centres in the
Constituency. In addition, the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) provided
support to the SLP under the Military Aid to Civil Power (MAC-P) arrangement, which was
invoked as a result of pre-election violence at Njaiama Sewafe town.
Political Party agents, the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC), the National
Elections Watch (NEW) , All Political Parties Youth Association (APPYA), Hope Sierra
Leone, Civil Society Platform (CSP), Civil Society Network (CSN), Office of National
Security (ONS), Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), Radio New Song, Eastern
Radio, Starline Radio, and the Awoko Newspaper observed the Bye-Election on polling day
and the tallying of results at the NEC District Office in Koidu.
The Office of National Security (ONS), National Commission for Democracy (NCD), Sierra
Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC) radio and television, Star Radio and Television, and
African Young Voices (AYV) radio and television, also observed the tallying process at the
NEC District Office in Koidu city.
34
Analysis of the Results:
Twenty-two (22) polling centres results were entered into the result database,
representing 100% of all polling centres in the Constituency.
The voter turnout was 8,226 out of a voter register of 15,163; giving a percentage
turnout of 54.25 %;
The total number of valid votes cast was 7,672;
There were 554 invalid votes, representing 6.73 % of total votes cast.
The results were as follows:
Table 11: Summary of Constituency 025 bye-election results
Constituency 25–Kono District, 14th day of November, 2015.
Candidate Name Political Party Votes Obtained %
SAHR FRANCIS GBONDO SLPP 2,877 37.50
TOM ISSIC TUCKER APC 4,795 62.50
Total Valid Votes 7,672 100.00
Figure 3: Constituency 025- Votes obtained by Candidates
35
Table 12: Turn-out for constituency 025 bye-election
Constituency 025 Turnout
Valid Votes 7,672
Invalid Votes 554
Total Votes Cast 8,226
Registered Voters 15,163
% Turnout 54.25
WINNER: Therefore, TURKER Tom Issic of the All People Congress Party, who having
polled 4,795, being the highest number of valid votes cast, was duly elected Member of
Parliament for Constituency 025 in the Kono District.
3.2 LOCAL COUNCIL BYE ELECTIONS
The five Local Council bye elections conducted were to fill in vacancies due to the death of
Councillors in Wards; 002 & 010 in the Kailahun District, 034 in the Kenema District, Ward
261 in the Bonthe Municipal Council, and Ward 329 in the Western Area Urban District.
3.2.1 WARD 002 (Kailahun District): 30th December, 2015
Following the death of Councillor Fatmata Sannoh of the SLPP Party on the 7th November
2015, two Political Parties, the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) and the All Peoples
Congress (APC) filed in candidates for Nominations which took place on Saturday 21st and
Sunday 22nd November, 2015 at the NEC district office in Kailahun. The Poll was conducted
on the 30th of December 2015. MAMMIE Dambo of the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP))
who obtained the highest number of valid votes was declared winner and duly elected
Councillor for the said Ward. The results are as follows:
36
Table 13: Summary of Ward 002 bye-election results
Ward 002–Kailahun District Council, 30th day of December, 2015.
Candidate Name Political Party Votes Obtained %
MAMIE DAMBO SLPP 3,787 59.91
IBRAHIM TOMMY APC 2,534 40.1
Total Valid Votes 6,321 100.00
Figure 4: Ward 002 – Vote Obtained by Candidates
Table 14: Ward 002 Turnout
Ward 002 Turnout
Valid Votes 6,321
Invalid Votes 227
Total Votes Cast 6,548
Registered Voters 12,306
%Turnout 53.21
3.2.2 WARD 010 (Kailahun District): 14th November, 2015
Following the death of Councillor Emmanuel Sakilla of the APC Party on the 23rd August
2014, three Political Parties; the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP), the Peoples Movement
37
for Democratic Change (PMDC) and the All Peoples Congress (APC) filed in candidates for
Nominations which took place on the 8th October, 2015 at the NEC district office in
Kailahun. The Poll was conducted on the 14th of November 2015. Mr. NYUMA David S. of
the All Peoples Congress (APC) who obtained the highest number of valid votes was
declared winner and duly elected Councillor for the said Ward. The results are as follows:
Table 15: Summary of Ward 010 bye-election results
Ward 010–Kailahun District Council, 14th day of November, 2015.
Candidate Name Political Party Votes Obtained %
FORYOH Edna F SLPP 722 36
JIMMY Fallah PMDC 60 3
Nyuma David S APC 1,221 61
Total Valid Votes 2,003 100
Figure 5: Ward 10 – Vote Obtained by Candidates
38
Table 16: Ward 010 Turnout
Ward 010 Turnout
Valid Votes 2,003
Invalid Votes 189
Total Votes Cast 2,192
Registered Voters 4,460
% Turnout 49.15
3.2.3 WARD 034 (Kenema District) 14th November, 2015
Following the death of Councillor Musa B. Vangahun of the SLPP Party on the 4th September
2014, three Political Parties; the Peoples Movement for Democratic Change (PMDC), the All
Peoples Congress (APC) and the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) filed in candidates for
the said bye election. One Independent Candidate also filed in for the said bye election.
Nominations of candidates took place from Wednesday 7th to Friday 9th October, 2015 at the
NEC district office in Kenema. The Poll was conducted on the 14th of November, 2015. Mr
VANDY Victor, the Independent Candidate, who obtained the highest number of valid votes
was declared winner and duly elected Councillor for the said Ward. The results were as
follows:
Table 17: Summary of Ward 034 bye-election results
Ward 034–Kenema District Council, 14th day of November, 2015.
Candidate Name Political Party Votes Obtained %
KABBA Soko J. PMDC 63 2
NGOLLAH June S. F. APC 1,025 35
TURAY Mohamed SLPP 482 16
VANDI Victor Independent 1,340 47
Total Valid Votes 2,910 100
39
Figure 6: Ward 034 – Vote Obtained by Candidates
Table 18: Ward 034 Turnout
Ward 034 Turnout
Valid Votes 2,910
Invalid Votes 103
Total Votes Cast 3,013
Registered Voters 4,714
% Turnout 63.92
3.2.4 WARD 261 (Bonthe Municipal Council): 14th November, 2015
Following the death of Councillor Christian Pearsons of the SLPP Party on the 9th of April
2014, three Political Parties: the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP), Peoples Movement for
Democratic Change (PMDC) and the All Peoples Congress (APC) filed in candidates for
Nominations which took place on Tuesday 28th and Wednesday 29th July, 2015 at the NEC
district office in Mattru Jong on Bonthe Mainland. The Poll was conducted on the 14th of
November 2015. MINNAH Musa of the Sierra Leone Peoples Party (SLPP) who obtained
the highest number of valid votes was declared winner and duly elected Councillor for the
said Ward. The results are as follows:
40
Table 19: Summary of Ward 261 bye-election results
Ward 261–Bonthe Municipal Council, 14th day of November, 2015.
Candidate Name Political Party Votes Obtained %
MINAH Musa SLPP 395 51
ROGERS Dauda A. J PMDC 125 16
SOONMIE Joseph APC 257 33
Total Valid Votes 777 100.00
Figure 7: Ward 261 – Vote Obtained by Candidates
Table 20: Ward 261 Turnout
Ward 261 Turnout
Valid Votes 777
Invalid Votes 35
Total Votes Cast 812
Registered Voters 1,374
% Turnout 59.10
41
3.2.5 WARD 329 (Western Area Rural District): 14th November, 2015
Following the death of Councillor Haja Fatu Suma of the All Peoples Congress Party (APC)
on the 6th July, 2015, four Political Parties: the All Peoples Congress (APC), the National
Democratic Alliance (NDA), the Alliance Democratic Party (ADP) and the Sierra Leone
Peoples Party (SLPP), filed in Candidates for Nominations which took place on the 8th
October, 2015 at the NEC district office in Waterloo. The Poll was conducted on the 14th
November 2015. JANNEH Fanta of the All Peoples Congress (APC) who obtained the
highest number of valid votes was declared winner and duly elected Councillor for the said
Ward.
The results are as follows:
Table 21: Summary of Ward 329 bye-election results
Ward 329–Western Area Rural District Council, 14th day of November, 2015.
Candidate Name Political Party Votes Obtained %
JANNEH Fanta APC 2218 64
KALOKOH Mohamed A NDA 397 12
KAMARA Mohamed O ADP 178 05
MAMBU BARKANA SLPP 654 19
Total Valid Votes 3,447 100
Figure 8: Ward 329 – Vote Obtained by Candidates
42
Table 22: Ward 329 Turnout
Ward 329 Turnout
Valid Votes 3,447
Invalid Votes 212
Total Votes Cast 3,659
Registered Voters 18,736
% Turnout 19.53
3.3 VILLAGE HEAD BYE ELECTION REGENT: 30th December, 2015
The Commission also conducted one Village Head Bye Election at Regent in the Western
Area Rural District. The vacancy in the Regent Village occurred as a result of the death of the
Village Headman- Benjamin Bamijoko John who died on the 18th June 2015.
The election was contested on a non-partisan basis by two Candidates: Gbondo T.Saquee
and Metzger E. Jokomie J.M.
Nomination of candidates took place on the 16th December, 2015 at the NEC district office
in Waterloo. The Poll was conducted on the 30th December, 2015. METZGER E. Jokomie
J.M. who obtained the highest number of valid votes was declared winner and duly elected
Village Head for the said Village. The results are as follows:
Table 23: Village Head bye-election Summary
Regent Village Head–Western Area Rural District, 30th day of November, 2015.
Candidate Name Votes Obtained %
GBONDO T. Saquee 324 30.34
METZGER E. Jokomie J. M. 744 69.66
Total Valid Votes 1,068 100.00
43
Figure 9: Village Head bye-election Summary
Table 24: Regent Village Head Turnout
Regent Village Head Turnout
Valid Votes 1068
Invalid Votes 46
Total Votes Cast 1,114
Registered Voters 6176
% Turnout 18.04
3.4 Summary of Male and Female contestants in the Parliamentary bye-elections
In all three Parliamentary bye-elections conducted a total of eight (8) Candidates contested
for the vacant seats. This registered a total of eight (8) males with no female nominated to
contest the elections.
Table 25: Gender analysis of contestants in the Parliamentary bye-elections conducted
in 2015
Constituency Type of Election No of Males No of Females Total
107 Parliamentary 3 0 3
30 Parliamentary 3 0 3
25 Parliamentary 2 0 2
8 0 8
44
Figure 10: Gender analysis of contestants in the Parliamentary bye-elections conducted
in 2015
3.5: Summary of Male and Female contestants in the Local Council bye-elections
In all Five Local Council bye-elections conducted a total of Sixteen (16) Candidates
contested for the vacant seats. This registered a total of Thirteen (13) males and Three (3)
females were nominated to contest the elections.
Table 26: Gender analysis of contestants in the Local Government bye-elections
conducted in 2015
Ward Election No of Males No of Females Total
2 Local Government 1 1 2
10 Local Government 2 1 3
34 Local Government 4 0 4
261 Local Government 3 0 3
329 Local Government 3 1 4
13 3 16
45
Figure 11: Gender analysis of contestants in the Local Government bye-elections
conducted in 2015
3.6: Summary of Male and Female Winners in the 5 Local Council bye-elections
Table 27: Gender analysis of Winners in the 5 Local Government bye-elections
conducted in 2015
Ward No of Males No of Females Winner by Gender
2 1 1 Female
10 2 1 Male
34 4 0 Male
261 3 0 Male
329 3 1 Female
46
Figure 12: Gender analysis of Winners in the 5 Local Government bye-elections
conducted in 2015
3.7 PARAMOUNT CHIEFTAINCY ELECTIONS
The National Electoral Commission (NEC) in collaboration with the Ministry of Local
Government and Rural Development (MLGRD) conducted eight (8) Paramount Chieftaincy
Elections in eight chiefdoms nationwide from 3rd October- 2nd December, 2015. In the
Eastern Region, One (1) Paramount Chieftaincy Election in the Gaura Chiefdom was
conducted in the Kenema District; two (2) Paramount Chieftaincy Elections in the Yawei and
Dea Chiefdoms were conducted in the Kailahun District.
In the Southern Region, five (5) Paramount Chieftaincy elections were conducted in the
chiefdoms of Dema and Yawbeko in the Bonthe District, Timdale in the Moyamba District
and Jaiama Bongor and Valunya Chiefdoms in the Bo District.
Table 28: Paramount Chieftaincy Elections Process 2015 (Declarations, Polling Dates and
Winners)
Chiefdom Declaration
Date
Election Date Winner
Dea 03-Nov-15 26/11/2015 GAIMA Festus Bobor
Yawei 01-Nov-15 24/11/2015 GBONDO III, Francis Amara Korvaya
Gaura 4th Nov 2013 04-Oct-15 BUNDUKA, Moses Sama
Dema 03-Nov-15 26/11/2015 NGABAY Chernor Amidu Ashun
Yawbeko 01-Nov-15 24/11/2015 JANBGA Duramani Donald
Timdale 07-Nov-15 30/11/2015 SOLONGI, Joseph Bobor S.
Jaiama
Bongor
09-Nov-15 12/02/2015 FODAY-MUSA, Joseph Geddan
Valunya 05-Nov-15 28/11/2015 KAMBA, Bobor Fefegula
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3.7.1 Gaura Chiefdom (Kenema District)
The office of the Paramount Chief of Gaura Chiefdom became vacant on the 10th March,
2015; upon the death of PC Mendegla Gbatekaka. The chiefdom is not amalgamated. The
Election was conducted on the 3rd October, 2015 for eight (8) candidates declared as rightful
claimants to the throne.
At the end of the first round, no candidate obtained 55% of the valid votes cast. Bunduka,
Moses Sama and Gbatekaka, Bockarie Koroma who polled first and second highest valid
votes cast respectively, went for second round of polls. At the end of the second round of
polling, Bunduka Moses Sam who obtained the highest number of valid votes cast was
declared the winner and duly elected Paramount Chief of the chiefdom. He chose the title
Paramount Chief Moses Sama Bunduka III.
Table 29: Result GUARA Paramount Chieftaincy Elections
GAURA PARAMOUNT CHIEFTAINCY ELECTION RESULTS (First Round)
No Name of Aspirant Ruling House No of Votes obtained %
1 Gbatekaka, Alhaji M.W. Gbatekaka 003 0.3
2 Mendegla, Alfred R. Gbatekaka 218 25.3
3 Kallon, Ibrahim A. Kallon 015 1.7
4 Gbatekaka, Bockarie K. Gbatekaka 279 32.3
5 Mendegla, Joseph K.L. Mendegla 004 0.5
6 Bunduka, Moses Sama Bunduka 308 35.7
7 Baikoi, Musa Foday T. Baikoi 024 2.8
8 Mendegla, Vandi A. Mendegla 012 1.4
Total Valid Votes Cast 863 100.0
Invalid Votes 005 0.6
Total Votes Cast 868
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Table 30: Second Round Result GUARA PC Elections
No Name of Aspirant Ruling House No of Votes obtained %
1 Bunduka Moses Sam Bunduka 545 66.3
2 Gbatekaka Bockarie K. Gbatekaka 277 33.7
Total Valid Votes Cast 822 100.0
Invalid Votes 012 1.4
Total Votes Cast 834
3.7.2 Yawei Chiefdom (Kailahun District)
The office of the Paramount Chief of Yawei chiefdom became vacant on the 10th February,
2015 upon the death of PC Joseph Brima Keketay. The chiefdom is not amalgamated. The
Election was conducted on the 24th November, 2015 for eight (8) candidates declared as
rightful claimants to the throne. At the end of the first round, no candidate obtained 55% of
the valid votes cast. Kuyembeh, Balaam Gunu and Gbondo III, Francis Aruna K. who polled
the first and second highest valid votes cast respectively went for second round of voting.
At the end of the second round of voting, Gbondo III, Francis Aruna K. who obtained the
highest number of valid votes cast was declared the winner and duly elected Paramount Chief
of the chiefdom. He chose the title Paramount Chief Francis Amara Korvaya Gbondo II.
Table 31: YAWEI Chiefdom Paramount Chieftaincy Election Results
YAWEI CHIEFDOM PARAMOUNT CHIEFTAINCY ELECTION RESULTS (First
Round)
No Name of Aspirant Ruling House No of Votes obtained %
1 Aruna, Joseph Buakei Gbondo 017 2.1
2 Gbondo III, Francis Aruna K. Gbondo 125 15.1
3 Jusu, Abubakarr Gunu S. Gunu 123 14.9
4 Keketay, Thomas Dauda C. Keketay 056 6.8
5 Keketay, Emmanuel A.M.S.K. Keketay 021 2.5
6 Keketay, Michael Steven B.S. Keketay 063 7.6
7 Kpaw, Gbewa Bockarie N. Ngelay 040 4.8
8 Kuyembeh , Balaam Gunu Gunu 381 46.1
Total Valid Votes Cast 826 100.0
Invalid Votes 003 0.4
Total Votes Cast 829
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Table 32: Second Round YAWEI Chiefdom Paramount Chieftaincy Election Result
No Name of Aspirant Ruling House No of Votes
obtained
%
1 Gbondo III, Francis Amara K. Gbondo 410 51.6
2 Kuyembeh, Balaam Gunu Gunu 385 48.4
Total Valid Votes Cast 795 100.0
Invalid Votes 023 2.9
Total Votes Cast 798
3.7.3 Dea Chiefdom (Kailahun District)
The office of the Paramount Chief of Dea chiefdom became vacant on the 17th July, 2014
upon the death of PC Joseph Edward Kpofeley Gaima. The chiefdom is not amalgamated.
The Election was conducted on the 26th November 2015 for five (5) candidates declared as
rightful claimants to the throne.
At the end of the first round, no candidate obtained 55% of the valid votes cast and with a
peculiar scenario of two aspirants Gaima, Daniel and Gaima, Lamin Dokoh J obtained the
same number of second highest valid votes cast after Gaima, Festus Borbor who polled the
highest number of valid votes.
At the end of the final round of polling and as a result of the peculiar scenario of two
candidates obtaining the same number of valid votes cast, at the first round, the two
Candidates were voted for to determine a second candidate that will contest in a final run-off
with Gaima, Festus Borbor.
At the end of polling, Gaima, Festus Borbor, who obtained the highest number of valid votes
was declared the winner and duly elected Paramount Chief. He chose the title Paramount
Chief, Gaima, Festus Borbor V.
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Table 33: DEA Chiefdom Paramount Chieftaincy Election Results
DEA CHIEFDOM PARAMOUNT CHIEFTAINCY ELECTION RESULTS
First Round
No Name of Aspirant Ruling House No of Votes obtained %
1 Gaima, Daniel Gaima 093 29.06
2 Gaima, Festus Borbor Gaima 109 34.06
3 Gaima, Lamin Dokoh J. Gaima 093 29.06
4 Gaima, Morie Gegbeh Gaima 001 0.31
5 Manyeh, Allieu Senesie Manyeh 024 7.5
Total Valid Votes Cast 320 100.0
Invalid Votes Cast 02 0.6
Total Votes Cast 322
Second Round
No Name of Aspirant Ruling House No of Votes obtained %
1 Gaima, Daniel Gaima 113 36.2
2 Gaima, Lamin Dokoh J. Gaima 199 63.8
Invalid Votes Cast 006 1.9
Total Votes Cast 312
Final Round
No Name of Aspirant Ruling House No of Votes obtained %
1 Gaima, Festus Borbor Gaima 192 60.2
2 Gaima, Lamin Dokoh J. Gaima 122 38.2
Invalid Votes Cast 002 0.06
Total Votes Cast 319
3.7.4 Yawbeko Chiefdom (Bonthe District)
The office of the Paramount Chief of Yawbeko chiefdom became vacant on the 7th July,
2015; upon the death of Paramount Chief Mohamed Mansaray Jusu. The chiefdom is
amalgamated comprising of the former Chiefdoms of Yawma and Bekowa. The Election was
conducted on the 24th November, 2015 for four (4) candidates declared as rightful claimants
to the throne.
At the end of the first round, no candidate obtained 55% of the valid votes cast. Gomodeh,
Mohamed Farmer and Jangba, Duramany Donald who polled the first and second highest
number of valid votes respectively went for the second round.
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At the end of the second round of polling, Jangba, Duramany Donald who obtained the
highest number of valid votes was declared the winner and duly elected Paramount Chief. He
chose the title Paramount Chief Duramany Joe Jangba IV.
Table 34: YAWBEKO Chiefdom Paramount Chieftaincy Election Results
YAWBEKO CHIEFDOM PARAMOUNT CHIEFTAINCY ELECTION RESULTS
(First Round)
No Name of Aspirant Ruling House No of Votes obtained %
1 Gomondeh, Kagbindi Lebbie Gomondeh 02 0.8
2 Gomondeh, Mohamed M. F. Gomondeh 113 46.3
3 Jangba ,Duramany Donald Jangba 67 27.5
4 Jangba, Thomas Tommy Jangba 62 25.4
Total Valid Votes Cast 244 100.0
Invalid Votes 01
Total Votes Cast 245
SECOND ROUND
YAWBEKO CHIEFDOM PARAMOUNT CHIEFTAINCY ELECTION RESULTS
No Name of Aspirant Ruling House No of Votes obtained %
1 Jangba ,Duramany Donald Jangba 137 55.7
2 Gomondeh, Mohamed M. F. Gomondeh 109 44.3
Total Valid Votes Cast 246 100.0
Invalid Votes 01 0.4
Total Votes Cast 247
3.7.5 Dema Chiefdom (Bonthe District)
The office of the Paramount Chief of Dema Chiefdom became vacant on the 8th February,
2015 upon the death of PC Joseph Ngabay. The chiefdom is not amalgamated. The election
was conducted on the 26th November, 2015 for eight (8) candidates declared as rightful
claimants to the throne.
At the end of the first round, no candidate obtained 55% of the valid votes cast. Ngabay,
Chernor Amidu Ashun and Gamanga, Clinton Beah Koni who polled the first and second
highest number of valid votes cast respectively went for the second round.
At the end of the second round of voting, Ngabay, Chernor Amidu Ashun who obtained the
highest number of valid votes was declared the winner and duly elected Paramount Chief. He
chose the title Paramount Chief Chernor Ashum Ngabay III
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Table 35: DEMA Chiefdom Paramount Chieftaincy Election Results
DEMA CHIEFDOM PARAMOUNT CHIEFTAINCY ELECTION RESULTS
FIRST ROUND
No Name of Aspirant Ruling House No of Votes
obtained
%
1 Gamanga, Clinton Beah Koni Gamanga 33 26.8
2 Gamanga, John Beahmie Gamanga 29 23.6
3 Gamanga,Thomas Beahenie Gamanga 02 1.6
4 Ngabay, Chernor Amidu Ashun Ngabay 38 30.9
5 Ngabay, Nyakeh Williams Ngabay 02 1.6
6 Ngabay, Philip Ngabay 19 15.4
Total Valid Votes Cast 123 100.0
Invalid Votes 00
Total Votes Cast 123
SECOND ROUND
No Name of Aspirant Ruling House No of Votes
obtained
%
1 Ngabay, Chernor Amidu Ashun Ngabay 55 53.4
2 Gamanga, Clinton Beah Koni Gamanga 48 46.6
Total Valid Votes Cast 103 100.0
Invalid Votes 05 4.6
Total Votes Cast 108
3.7.6 Valunya Chiefdom (Bo District)
The office of the Paramount Chief of Valunya Chiefdom became vacant on the 7th April,
2015 upon the death of PC James Borbor Golo Jonjo. The chiefdom is amalgamated
comprising the former Vangelu and Lunya Chiefdoms. The Election was conducted on the
28th November, 2015 for seven (7) candidates declared as rightful claimants to the throne.
At the end of the first round of voting, no candidate obtained 55% of the valid votes cast.
Gbani, Margaret C. Baio and Kamba, Borbor Fefegula who polled the first and second
highest number of valid votes cast respectively went for the second round.
At the end of the second round of polling, Kamba, Borbor Fefegula who obtained the highest
number of valid votes was declared the winner and duly elected Paramount Chief. He chose
the title Paramount Chief Borbor Fefegula Kamba II.
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Table 36: VALUNYA Chiefdom Paramount Chieftaincy Election Results
VALUNYA CHIEFDOM PARAMOUNT CHIEFTAINCY ELECTION RESULTS
First Round
No Name of Aspirant Ruling House No of Votes
obtained
%
1 Konya M. Gbani Gbani 86 11.8
2 Margaret C. Baio Gbanie Gbanie 361 49.5
3 Umu Magdalene McCarthy
Gbanie Gbanie 82 11.2
4 Ibrahim Kamara-Kamba Kamba 4 0.5
5 Borbor Fefegula Kamba Kamba 193 26.5
6 John James Kamba Kamba 3 0.4
Total Valid Votes Cast 729 100.0
Invalid Votes 13 1.8
Total Votes Cast 742
Second Round
VALUNYA CHIEFDOM PARAMOUNT CHIEFTAINCY ELECTION RESULTS
No Name of Aspirant Ruling House No of Votes
obtained
%
1 Margaret C. Baio Gbanie Gbanie 350 48.0
2 Borbor Fefegula Kamba Kamba 379 52.0
Total Valid Votes Cast 729 100.0
Invalid Votes 41 5.3
Total Votes Cast 770
3.7.7 Timdale Chiefdom (Moyamba District)
The office of the Paramount Chief of Timdale Chiefdom became vacant on the 12th April,
2015 upon the death of PC Madam Kaikai Yimbo. The Chiefdom is not amalgamated. The
Election was conducted on the 30th November 2015 for three (3) candidates declared as
rightful claimants to the throne.
At the end of the first round, no candidate obtained 55% of the valid votes cast. Solongni,
Joseph Borbor S. and Kaikai-Yimbo Matilda Manyeh who polled the first and second highest
number of valid votes cast respectively went for the second round.
At the end of the second round of voting; Solongni, Joseph Borbor S. who obtained the
highest number of valid votes was declared the winner and duly elected Paramount Chief. He
chose the title Paramount Chief Solongni, Joseph Borbor S.
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Table 37: TIMDALE Chiefdom Paramount Chieftaincy Election Results
TIMDALE CHIEFDOM PARAMOUNT CHIEFTAINCY ELECTION RESULT
FIRST ROUND RESULT
No Name of Aspirant Ruling House No of Votes
obtained
%
1 Kaikai-Yimbo Matilda Manyeh Yimbo 165 35.9
2 Kaindoh, Nabih Joseph Kaindoh 106 23.1
3 Solongni, Joseph Borbor S. Solongni 188 41.0
Total Valid Votes Cast 459 100.0
Invalid Votes 10 2.1
Total Votes Cast 469
SECOND ROUND RESULT
TIMDALE CHIEFDOM PARAMOUNT CHIEFTAINCY ELECTION RESULTS
No Name of Aspirant Ruling House No of Votes
obtained
%
1 Solongni, Joseph Borbor S. Solongni 204 50.6
2 Kaikai-Yimbo Matilda Manyeh Yimbo 199 49.4
Total Valid Votes Cast 403 100.0
Invalid Votes 31 7.1
Total Votes Cast 434
3.7.8 Jaiama Bongor Chiefdom (Bo District)
The office of the Paramount Chief of Jaiama Bongor Chiefdom became vacant on the 25th
March, 2015 upon the death of PC Mohamed Pama Gbao. The chiefdom is amalgamated
comprising the former Jaiama and Bongor Chiefdoms. The election was conducted on the
2nd December, 2015 for seven (7) candidates declared as rightful claimants to the throne.
At the end of the first round, no candidate obtained 55% of the valid votes cast Foday- Musa,
Joseph Geddan and Foday –Kai, Ibrahim Abibu who polled the first and second highest
number of valid votes cast respectively went for the second round.
At the end of the second round of polling, Foday- Musa, Joseph Geddan who obtained the
highest number of valid votes was declared the winner and duly elected Paramount Chief. He
chose the title Paramount Chief Joseph Foday Geddan Musa II.
55
Table 38: JAIAMA BONGOR Chiefdom Paramount Chieftaincy Election Results
JAIAMA BONGOR CHIEFDOM PARAMOUNT CHIEFTAINCY ELECTION RESULTS
FIRST ROUND RESULT
No Name of Aspirant Ruling House No of Votes obtained %
1 Foday –Kai, Ibrahim Abibu Foday- Kai 456 36.9
2 Foday-Kai, Aloysius Alpha Foday- Kai 01 0.1
3 Foday- Kai, Andrew M.B.A. Foday- Kai 20 1.6
4 Foday- Kai, Michael Foday- Kai 92 7.4
5 Foday- Musa, Joseph Geddan Foday- Musa 533 43.1
6 George Abibu Kai Kai 00 0.0
7 Sese Horgbor, Musa Vonu Sesehorgbor 135 10.9
Total Valid Votes Cast 1,237 100.0
Invalid Votes 17 1.4
Total Votes Cast 1,254
SECOND ROUND RESULT
JAIAMA BONGOR CHIEFDOM PARAMOUNT CHIEFTAINCY ELECTION RESULTS
No Name of Aspirant Ruling House No of Votes obtained %
1 Foday- Musa, Joseph Geddan Foday- Musa 667 54.5
2 Foday –Kai, Ibrahim Abibu Foday- Kai 556 45.5
Total Valid Votes Cast 1,223 10.00
Invalid Votes 25 2.0
Total Votes Cast 1,248
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CHAPTER FOUR
IMPLEMENTATION OF OTHER PROGRAMMES/PROJECTS IN 2015
4.1 INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT:
The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MoFED) in the 2015 Government
Budget, approved funds for five (5) deliverables for NEC in 2016. Amongst them funds for
the implementation of two civil works projects for the National Electoral Commission under
the oversight of the Ministry of Works, Housing and Infrastructure were approved namely:
Completion of NEC Headquarters, Warehouse and Rub Hall at Wellington
Completion of NEC regional office and Warehouses in Bo and Kenema Cities
4.1.2 Completion of NEC Warehouse and Rub Hall at Wellington –
Construction of NEC Warehouse and Rub Hall at Wellington started in 2012 to address the
storage constraints the Commission was facing in preparation for the conduct of the 2012
elections, but was temporarily halted due to lack of funds. However, on average 70% of the
project has been completed. The project recommenced in the last quarter of 2015, after
submission of a Programme of Works by the Contractor, Assil Trading and Construction
Company.
4.1.3 Construction of NEC Regional Office and Warehouse in Bo –
The Ministry of Works, Housing and Infrastructure has completed the architectural drawings
and Bill of Quantities (BOQ) for submission to NEC. The processes of getting the funds from
MoFED and bidding are on course. The construction is expected to begin in 2016.
4.1.3 Renovation of District Offices-
District offices in Kenema, Bo, Kambia, Bombali, Pujehun and Kono were renovated in
2015.
4.2 VIDEO-DOCUMENTARY FILM ON NEC ACTIVITIES COVERING THE
PERIOD 2007-2012
Sourcing of footages and other materials for the documentary of NEC activities covering the
period 2007-2012, has been completed. The consultant has also completed interviews with
NEC personnel and other relevant stakeholders and is now in the process of assembling the
footages for production, to be completed in the first quarter of 2016. It will comprise of
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activities and events undertaken by the NEC within the period specified. In it will be included
the key images of the major electoral processes of elections conducted in 2015.
4.3 MINISTRYOF EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (MEST)
EBOLA RESPONSE SCHOOLS REOPENING PROJECT.
Following the outbreak of Ebola in May, 2014 a Public Health Emergency was instituted
which banned all public gatherings. Educational institutions in Sierra Leone were closed
in order to protect school children and teachers from contracting the disease and to stop it
from spreading within the school environment and the communities.
By March 2015, and with the reduction of Ebola infection figures, the MEST, through
the Schools Reopening Committee sought the assistance of the National Electoral
Commission to undertake distribution of Educational and Hygiene materials to
educational institutions nationwide.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between MEST and NEC. It tasked NEC
to take the lead in providing the required technical and operational support through its
district offices in the distribution process before schools reopened on 15th April 2015.
The distribution exercise was successfully carried out in phases during the months of
March–June 2015.
Another initiative of the MEST was the introduction of a “Situation Room” aimed at
monitoring relevant educational activities in schools through sharing of vital information
with appropriate ministry officials at national, regional and districts levels. This project
was also supported by NEC in 2015. This was facilitated through the development and
installation of the software packages, training of relevant ministry staff and launching the
software.
Both the distribution of school hygiene materials and the situation room projects were
successfully implemented by NEC on behalf of the MEST.
4.4 NEC: INTERNATIONAL TRAVELS
The Commissioner for the Northern Region, Macksood Gibril Sesay attended a Conference
organized by the Association of African Electoral Authorities (AAEA) in Accra , Ghana
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from the 22nd – 25th June, 2015. The main thrust of the conference was to revive the
Association, on the theme “Promoting credible Elections and Transparent Electoral
Processes in Africa through Inter-EMB cooperation and Assistance”; targeting effective
management of electoral processes and consolidation of democracy in Africa.
The Chief Electoral Commissioner and Chairman, Mr Mohamed N’fah-Alie Conteh, also
attended in Ethiopia (Addis Ababa) a conference on Electoral Risk Management (ERM) from
1st to 3rd December 2015. The aim of this conference was to facilitate the exchange of Risk
Management practices and popularise the concept as a new standard for conducting
democratic elections.
4.5 THE INSTITUTE OF ELECTORAL ADMINISTRATION AND CIVIC
EDUCATION (INEACE) TRAINING PROGRAMME
The INEACE SL programme was established in 2009 by the National Electoral Commission
in collaboration with other democratic Institutions in Sierra Leone: Human Rights
Commission, National Commission for Democracy , the PPRC and a coalition of Civil
Society Organizations, under the umbrella of the National Elections Watch (NEW).The
rationale for its formation was an attempt to address the felt need of providing an in- depth
knowledge of basic electoral process and civic education to the Sierra Leonean public and
other nationals. Its main aim was to develop and enhance the capabilities of individuals,
organizations/ Institutions and Communities with a view of transforming their perceptions
about the democratic process and elections in Sierra Leone. The main objective is for
democratic Institutions to reach as many Sierra Leoneans as possible with accurate
information about the electoral process and civic education relating to the rights and
responsibilities of citizens and cross cutting issues like gender and disability.
The INEACE SL certificate programme ended in 2012 and in 2013 a diploma programme in
affiliation with the University of Makeni (UNIMAK) was rolled out. It is also important to
note that INEACE/SL is presently registered with the Tertiary Education Commission (TEC)
of Sierra Leone. Since its formation, the institute successfully trained over 6,000 certificate
students and 500 diploma graduates.
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The Current Situation
During the year under review, INEACE, SL trained 83 women from democratic institutions,
the Sierra Leone Police, Political Parties, the media, Political Party Registration Commission
and the National Electoral Commission. The training programme was supported by the
UNDP. The results have been published and the students are yet to receive their diploma
certificates from UNIMAK.
Administratively, following the death of the former Registrar, Mr. Samuel Kabia, the
Commission recommended that, as an interim measure, Mr Raymond George, the Director of
the Research, Monitoring and Evaluation Department serve as the Acting Registrar.
The Current financial status of INEACE, SL is nothing to write home about as the overall
picture is gloomy. The administrative staff did not receive salaries for the greater part of the
year under review. The Commission had to source funds to pay backlog salaries. The other
democratic institutions are yet to contribute financially to the activities of INEACE/SL. This
has increased the financially burden of the Commission to sustain the operations of
INEACE/SL.
The National Electoral Commission has always provided accommodation for INEACE since
its inception. The Institution was temporarily relocated to the NEC’S premises at Wellington,
because of lack of funds and sponsorship to meet with the institute’s obligations, expenses
and running cost.
As a way forward, therefore, the Commission has recommended that the activities of the
INEACE/SL be put on hold until a decision is taken about the Institution’s sustainability.
4.6 NEC STAFF ASSOCIATION (NECSA)
To effectively articulate staff welfare in the spirit of love and understanding, the Board
of Commissioners of NEC, Management and Staff have resuscitated the NEC Staff
Association (NECSA). This remarkable stride was through the efforts of the Chief
Electoral Commissioner, Commissioners and staff. This Association seeks to protect and
promote the welfare of Commissioners and staff generally.
All necessary documentation for opening of accounts to pool membership contributions
and administrative/mobilization protocols have been completed to facilitate the
operations of the Association.
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The Aims for which this association is established is to ensure and sustain the welfare of all
staff and guarantee their security and advancement while contributing to the realisation of the
Commission’s vision, mission and guiding principles. Hence the objectives of the
Association are to:
promote and sustain mutual understanding among all grades of employees of the
Commission;
promote fellowship and social interaction for the benefit of the members of the
Association;
help one another in times of need;
Strengthen understanding and cooperation between the Commission and NECSA in
promoting the welfare of staff.
Join/affiliate with other similar associations and labour organisations in furtherance of
the aims and objectives.
Membership shall be open to all Permanent Staff and Commissioners of the National
Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone, by voluntarily filling and signing a membership form,
agreeing to abide by the terms of this constitution.
4.7 FIRST TIME VOTERS’ ELECTORAL EDUCATION TRADE FAIR
The Education Trade Fair was held between 20th December 2015 and 2nd January 2016.
The Fair was organized by HEAL Sierra Leone and sponsored by National Electoral
Commission, Sierra Leone Road Safety Authority, and Sign Africa. The aim was to
cultivate democratization principles and ethics of ‘first time’ voters in secondary schools
for the enhancement of an electoral culture in Sierra Leone. It brought together
Booksellers Association and other related industries that support learning in secondary
schools at one location.
Besides the intensive electoral education and distribution of electoral messaging items,
other organizations sold learning materials at a cost effective rate. The Fair attracted a lot
of pupils and adolescents with NEC disseminating key messages on the need for
meaningful participation of ‘first time’ voters in election. Some of the themes include, “I
can Vote at 18”.
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4.8: NEC Consultancies
4.8.1. FJP CONSULTANCY
To review Operational Framework and Human Resource Management Systems.
FJP was hired as a Consultant to undertake the review of Standing Orders A&B,
Logical Frame and Performance Systems.
4.8.2. M. & S. HOLDING LTD
To develop an Automated Human Resource Information Management System.
This system will enhance the performance of the H.R. Department in managing
employee’s personal data.
Software was installed and first phase of training done.
4.8.3. DISABILITY CONSULTANT
This project was undertaken with the view to strengthen the capacity of staff
members as well as have in place a guiding framework on Disability Issues in
Elections. This Consultant was hired to train staff on “Disability Awareness in
Elections” and to develop a Disability Awareness Policy that will serve as a guide
for the Commissioners’ operations and programmes is completed.
4.8.4. STRATEGIC PLAN 2015-2019 CONSULTANCY
As the NEC Strategic Plan (SP) of 2010-2014 nears its completion, the
Commission hired a Consultant to develop its next Strategic Plan for 2015-2019.
This project is concluded.
4.8.5. FIXED ASSET REGISTER
This Consultant was hired to:
Analyse and provide standardised format for Fixed Asset Register (Tagging and
Coding);
Advice on the capitalisation threshold, review and recommend useful; life of
Assets
Facilitate training of relevant staff on Fixed Register Management.
Develop Asset Management Policy.
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4.8.6. ICT Policy
The Consultant (M. & S. Holdings Ltd.) was contracted to:
Develop NEC ICT Policy
Develop Strategy and Implementation Plan for making the ICT Policies
functional. Draft Policy now under review by Management.
4.8.7. G.I.S./GPS CONSULTANT
This consultant was hired to:
Train NEC ICT staff in the effective use of the ArcGIS Software for Spatial Data
Management System for the NEC;
Train NEC District Staff in GPS/GIS data capture
Upgrading/Updating of the National GIS-Based Electoral Information System of
Voter Registration Centre for the NEC
4.9: National Electoral Commission’s contribution to the National Registration
Secretariat’s Civil Registration Project
National Electoral Commission and the National Registration Secretariat have
jointly installed the network connections through fibre optic cables
NEC engaged the NRS to ensure that they align their database structure with that
of the NEC Voter Registration database
NEC has assigned one of its IT staff to the NRS to ensure that NEC database and
security issues are addressed before the finalisation of the software
The NEC and NRs also conducted site visitation in all 14 electoral districts to
assess the facilities that are available for the kick start of the NRS project
NEC and NRS have installed and configured all the servers for the voter
registration database testing of these configurations have been done and ready for
operation
NEC also submitted its 2012 movement plan to the NRS to help in the
development of the movement plan for the pending registration exercise and kit
allocation.
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CHAPTER FIVE
5.1 PREPARATION FOR THE NEXT ELECTORAL CYCLE: 2015 TO 2019
The last electoral cycle was from 2010-2014, within which the 2012 multitier elections
were held. The next electoral cycle began in 2015, for which a Strategic Plan (2015-
2019) themed “Consolidation for Sustainability,” has been developed.
For the ever growing concern to strengthen the professionalism of staff in line with
approved international standards in election management and administration, special
considerations were given to key areas that require adequate attention like: legal reform,
staff capacity development, Electoral Education, Infrastructural development,
enhancement of information technology, among others. The Strategic Plan for the next
electoral cycle therefore gives credence to areas where gaps had existed in the last cycle
so as to improve greatly on the Commission’s stride in attaining growth.
5.2 STRATEGIC PLAN 2015-2019
As an institution in transformation in a nation undergoing post conflict reconstruction, the
Commission intends to consolidate gains made since the reform in 2005 to attain sustainability
to a greater extent and attain total ownership of the management and administration of all
electoral processes. In a bid to present an objective and reliable framework, the Commission
hired the services of a Consulting firm to develop a five year Strategic Plan guided by the
theme “consolidation for sustainability”.
The strategic pillars as contained in the plan are aligned with the related pillars of the National
Governance Policy Framework referred to as the “Agenda for Prosperity”, introducing for the
first time, as part of its content, an electoral calendar; monitoring and evaluation framework.
In this strategic plan NEC issues are identified in line with the National Strategic Pillars as
they are aligned to the Agenda for Prosperity. The pillars identified are Agenda for Prosperity
Pillar 3, Accelerating Human Development, Pillar 4 – International Competitiveness, Pillar 5
– Labour and Employment, Pillar 6 – Social Protection, Pillar 7 – Governance and Public
Sector Reform, Pillar 8 – Gender and Women’s Empowerment, The strategic plan has been
completed and validated at regional and national consultative sessions with key stakeholders
including Political Parties, Security sector, Press, Civil society, line MDAs, Development
partners and Democracy & Governance institutions.
64
5.2.1 CONSENSUS BUILDING FOR POLICY INITIATIVES ON THE
CHALLENGES TO THE ELECTORAL CYCLE 2015-2019 AND THE WAY
FORWARD
Before completing the final processes in the development of the Strategic Plan 2015-2019,
NEC realized that there will be challenges predicated on dependence on outputs from
Statistics Sierra Leone, National Registration Secretariat (NRS) and the Constitutional
Review Committee; to do Boundary Delimitation, update of the Voter’s Register and conduct
of Local Council elections and a possible referendum. These were prompted by the
postponement of the population and Housing Census to December 2015 in compliance with
the Public Health emergency put in place to fight the Ebola Virus disease outbreak.
While the Boundary Delimitation cannot be done without the Population figures and
Enumeration Area Maps of the Census conducted by Statistics Sierra Leone, Referendum
cannot be conducted until the review of the 1991 constitution is completed by the
Constitutional Review Committee. In addition there are concrete plans to introduce a civil
register by the NRS, from which NEC can produce its future voters register.
In view of the above NEC held consultations with key stakeholders from the 8th September to
30th October 2015 to ascertain stakeholders’ consensus on policy initiatives regarding the
“Challenges to the Electoral Calendar 2015-2019”. His Excellency the President and Cabinet,
Leadership of Parliament, Development Partners, Political Parties, Civil Society, Office of
National Security, Members of Parliament, Attorney General and Minister of Justice and
Sierra Leone Association of Journalists were among the stakeholders consulted.
The stakeholders contacted largely accepted, in principle, the reasons advanced by NEC for
the shift of processes in the 2015-2019 Electoral Calendar.
A summary of the stakeholders’ positions is presented below:
65
Table 39: STAKEHOLDERS’ POSITION ON CHALLENGES TO THE ELECTORAL CALENDAR 2015-2019
STAKEHOLDERS’ POSITION ON CHALLENGES TO THE ELECTORAL CALENDAR 2015-2019
NO STAKEHOLDERS
(Meeting Date)
STAKEHOLDERS’ PERCEPTION/CONSENSUS RECOMMENDATIONS
1. PRESIDENT & CABINET
7th October 2015
1. Support the postponement of the Local
Government Elections to 2018.
Need for extensive consultation
Cabinet to take a formal decision.
2. THE LEADERSHIP OF
PARLIAMENT
8th September 2015
1. Agreed in principle with postponement of the
Local Government Elections (LGE) to 2018.
Conduct polls for referendum, LGE and
general elections at reasonable intervals of six
months
3. DEVELOPMENT
PARTNERS
11th September 2015
1. Concerned with date of the polls for the
Referendum being in September appears too far
from March 2016 when the CRC would have
completed its work. The electorate might have
forgotten the critical issues and their importance.
2. Agreed that having the Presidential, Parliamentary
and Local Government Elections together will be
cost effective.
3. Government of Sierra Leone must proceed with
the Civil Registration Project.
Preparations for a comprehensive referendum
to be completed in time to allow the execution
of the process by NEC.
Have a plan ‘B’ in place in case of any
eventuality with the Civil Registration
Extraction process.
4. POLITICAL PARTIES
10th September 2015
1. 8 out of 11 political parties agreed with the
postponement of Local Government Elections to
2018.
2. If NEC can assure the people of the credibility of
all the electoral processes for conduct of the polls
in 2018 they have no issue1
NEC must ensure delivering its services based
on the guiding principles with special emphasis
on consultation and inclusive participatory
approach.
1 The PMDC in a letter to the Commission recommended that NEC should use the District Block system for the conduct of the Local Council Elections: (But this option has no basis in the law). The SLPP agreed for a postponement but proposed six months instead of one year; The Alliance Democratic Party did not agree for the postponement but failed to give a reasonable option.
66
NO STAKEHOLDERS
(Meeting Date)
STAKEHOLDERS’ PERCEPTION/CONSENSUS RECOMMENDATIONS
5. CIVIL SOCIETY
ORGANIZATIONS
1st October 2015
1. Generally agreed with postponement of LGE to
2018.
2. Did not accept collaboration of NEC with NRS
for creation of a civil register from which voters
register can be extracted. With all its merit, the
civil registration should be done separately for all
purpose not elections.
Allow NEC to do the voter registration as
traditionally done.
Support NRS to do the civil registration
effectively and fully develop the civil register
to be able to cater to the needs of government
for future development purposes
6. OFFICE OF NATIONAL
SECURITY (ONS)
22nd September 2015
1. Reasoned with NEC on all shifts as related in the
proposed electoral calendar.
2. The concern is ensuring electoral security service
to the highest order of diligence and
professionalism throughout the various electoral
processes.
3. For the dependencies of major electoral processes
on the output of Statistics Sierra Leone and the
collaboration with NRS for the proposed civil
registration that may be used for elections, the two
institutions will be incorporated at NSCCG
briefings.
NEC to enhance multi sector collaboration for
electoral security of all its operations.
Besides the respective public relations and
outreach ventures done by these MDAs to
society, NEC should encourage joint public
information dissemination sessions on pertinent
issues.
7. MEMBERS OF THE
HOUSE OF
PARLIAMENT
21st October 2015
1. Agreed in principle with the postponement on the
proviso that Local Government Elections are
conducted before General elections so that
Councillors can bear the cost of their elections.
2. Use two population quota criteria in Boundary
Delimitation for obvious peculiarities between
urban and rural settings.
Conduct polls for Local Government Elections
and Presidential and Parliamentary elections at
reasonable intervals of six months
For Boundary delimitation; use different
population quota for rural and urban
communities as done in construction of
enumeration areas during the mapping exercise
for census.
67
NO STAKEHOLDERS
(Meeting Date)
STAKEHOLDERS’ PERCEPTION/CONSENSUS RECOMMENDATIONS
8. DISTRICTS
STAKEHOLDERS
MEETINGS IN 14
ELECTORAL DISTRICTS
NATION-WIDE
12TH TO 19TH October 2015
1. Reasoned with NEC for the postponement of the
Local Government Elections to 2018.
2. Concern is about status of elected Local
Government Elections officials after their
statutory tenure expires in 2016.
3. The collaboration with NRS for the proposed
establishment of a civil register from which
voters register will be extracted is not appreciated
and NEC should conduct its own Voter
Registration separately.
4. NEC should consider strongly other parameters
besides population quota in the Boundary
Delimitation. (Especially for Bonthe Island)
Government to replace elected Local
Government officials with Management
Committees comprising members of political
parties that contested the 2012 Local
Government Elections.
Government must allow NEC to do voter
registration exclusively as traditionally done
before.
Government should support NRS to conduct
the civil registration based on all other merits
but not for election purposes especially at this
formative stage.
9. OFFICE OF ATTORNEY
GENERAL AND
MINISTER OF JUSTICE
22nd October 2015
1. NEC to send a letter of request for legal opinion
on the proposal for the postponement of the Local
Council Elections, which will address the legal
provisions to support the operational and
administrative aspects of the effect of the
postponement. E.g. Legal status of Council
Chairs/Mayors and Councillors after end of tenure
in 2016.
Government /Parliament to put modalities in
place to ensure there is no vacuum in Local
Government services provided by the elected
officials.
Example by Parliamentary Act to extend
tenure; or establishment of management
committees
10. DONOR PARTNERS
29th September 2015
1. Referendum Timing is too far from date of
completion of the review of the constitution.
Recommended that the referendum be brought
further away from the general elections as there
is tendency for politics to interfere with the
process
68
NO STAKEHOLDERS
(Meeting Date)
STAKEHOLDERS’ PERCEPTION/CONSENSUS RECOMMENDATIONS
11. SIERRA LEONE
ASSOCIATION OF
JOURNALISTS
29th October 2015
1. Financial consideration should not be a reason for
NEC proposing the postponement of the Local
Government Elections.
Recommended that government should make
all financial requirements necessary for the
conduct of elections
12. BONTHE ISLAND &
MUNICIPAL COUNCIL
30th October 2015
1. Agreed to NEC proposal for the way forward. Appealed for elections for section heads of the
municipality to be conducted as is done in
Western Area Rural District.
Consider other factors besides population
figures in Boundary delimitation.
5.3 FINANCE: Engagement with Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MOFED)
Adequate considerations and prudent efforts have been made by the Commission to maintain a “smart budget” with due regard to contemporary
public finance management issues and adherence to financial regulations from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development.
The NEC had several engagements with the MoFED resulting in the development of policy objectives and the approval of five key objectives for the
2016 calendar year. These objectives are as follows:
Conduct and complete the process of Boundary Delimitation;
Conduct of all due bye-elections and Paramount Chieftaincy elections;
Procure and set up of the system for DATA extraction of Voter Registration from National Registration Secretariat;
Capacity building 14 training courses to be conducted;
Construct the district offices and warehouses for Bo and Kenema;
69
5.4 BOUNDARY DELIMITATION
In pursuant to the principle of “equality of voting strength”, the next Parliamentary and Local
Government elections should not be conducted in the present constituencies and Wards,
based on statutory provisions in section 38 (4) of 1991 Constitution which states that,
Boundary delimitation should be done within a period “…not less than five years and not
more than seven years…” . Thus the ward and constituency boundaries have expired; on the
grounds that the last delimitation was done in 2006 and 2007 for constituencies and wards
respectively.
Preparations for delimiting electoral boundaries for the next electoral cycle were underway as
an MoU with SSL had been established, ArcGIS software application and some equipment
procured, staff trained in the use of Arc GIS 10.2.2 software application, a framework for
sensitization and action plans drawn and submitted to the Commission, proposal for the
establishment of a BD Monitoring Committee with respective composition and ToR
established. The inaugural meeting of this committee was held on the 15th December 2015 at
the Shangri-La beach resort. Highlights of the meeting included the following:-
Composition of the Monitoring Committees at both National and District level;
Terms of Reference for the Monitoring Committees at National and District Levels;
Presentation on the processes leading to the BD exercise;
Frequency of meetings;
Monthly meetings for the committee members.
5.5 RESULTS MANAGEMENT
The Commission developed tally software for the bye elections and village head elections
held in Regent. The IT department conducted a test transmission of election results from the
polling stations in Bonthe within 45 minutes after the close of polls using a mobile device
(U500) supplied by an international organization, SMARTMATIC. The work with
SMARTMATIC proves to be prospective option for result transmission in future general
elections.
70
5.5.1 District Result Management Process
The software has been designed to accommodate five categories of users;
Tee Users;
Data Entry Operators;
Supervisors;
District Officers and
Administrator.
Each of the users has specified duties to perform in the system and therefore would be
assigned roles that suite his/her functions. The software has the following modules:
Shipment
Data Entry
Review Result
Collated Results
Final Review
Results Users
Control Panel
Sessions
When a User log in, he/she has access only to the modules that are relevant to his/her duties.
All Users are required to change their passwords after the first login with the default
password. This is to enable only the User to have access to his /her password, and he is solely
responsible for every action that takes place in the system with his/her username. On no
account should a User release his/her password to anyone and he/she should always
remember to log out when leaving the system.
5.6 LEGAL REFORM
5.6.1 Review of the 2012 Public Elections Act (Act No. 4 of 2012)
Emerging realities experienced in the conduct of the 2012 multitier elections gave cause
for the Commission to review the Public Elections Act 2012. Consequently, the
Commission in collaboration with the Law Reform Commission, the PEA 2012 has been
reviewed and the first draft completed and submitted to the Commission.
71
5.6.2 NCRA Bill (Collaboration with NRS)
In response to key development issues in public finance management like cost cutting on
budget of subvented MDAs, the government initiated collaboration between NEC and the
National Registration Secretariat (NRS) for the introduction of a civil register system from
which voters register can be extracted to conduct public elections. Planning has commenced
with some of the structures for administration and facilities for the realization of this vision
established. Particularly, installation of some specialized equipment and ICT system, and
training of staff are ongoing.
Due to the critical nature of voter registration in determining credibility of elections, the
proposed National Civil Registration Authority (NCRA) bill which will govern the
partnership/collaboration is being critically assessed in relation to the electoral legal
framework especially the PEA 2012. In particular, the operational and administrative
processes and procedures of voter registration protocols in compliance with electoral legal
framework will be the background of the assessment.
Relevant sections of NCRA bill have been discussed to proffer suggestions/recommendations
for inclusion which will enhance NEC’s core values and maintain the integrity of the voter
registration process. This is to maintain the consistency of the electoral legal framework
especially the Public Elections Act, 2012 with this novelty such that reviews, repeals,
ratifications and amendments could be done accordingly.
5.6.3 Constitutional Review Committee (CRC) & Referendum.
NEC as one of the key democracy and governance institutions of the state responded to the
participatory and consultative move by Constitutional Review Committee to solicit
suggestions on pertinent clauses for adoption and integration in the review.
The response includes participation in a one day workshop in which presentation was done on
the topics: “Operational Aspect of Referendum”, and “Existing Legislations in Sierra Leone”.
Also staff of the Legal Affairs Department was part of the Committee set at the workshop held
to draft the Referendum Act. The first draft of the Act was completed and submitted to the
Commission for review and comments.
72
5.6.4 Compilation of Electoral Regulations
The Compilation of Electoral Regulations and statutory Instruments which started in 2014 is in
its completion stage. The department of Legal Affairs Research and Documentation is
working in collaboration with the Government Printing Department to source the outstanding
instruments for compilation.
73
CHAPTER SIX
FINANCES
6.1 Introduction
This chapter provides a summary of the Commission’s finances for the financial year 2015. It
gives an analysis of budgetary control, financial performance and cash flows.
6.2 Budget Analysis
During the period under review, the Commission being a government sub vented institution
only received funds from the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL) to implement its activities.
Respectively, there was a decrease of Le 18,805,800,000.00 and Le 3,676,930,600.00 in both
recurrent/programme and public investment funds comparing budget submission and
allocation to and from the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MoFED),
respectively.
6.3 Electoral Basket Fund (EBF)
The EBF support to the Commission expired in December, 2014. However, a good number of
activities in the NEC-UNDP 2014 work plan were not implemented in 2014 due to the Ebola
outbreak in the country in 2014; instead financial commitments were made to have the
activities implemented in 2015, the NEC and UNDP therefore agreed to roll over these
activities to 2015.
6.4 Project Financing
Following the outbreak of Ebola in 2014, all schools in Sierra Leone had remained closed in
order to protect school children and teachers from contracting the disease and spreading it
within the school environment. The Ministry of Education, Science and Technology sought
the assistance of the Commission for the sorting, packing and distribution of school materials
and hygiene kits nationwide. The project was funded by the World Bank and the UNICEF.
The Commission was also approached by Save the Children International to implement a
similar programme for which they provided the funding.
74
6.5 External Auditing for Financial year 2014
Statutory Auditing of the Commission’s financial books were successfully done by the
Auditor Generals department in October 2015. Recommendations and findings from this
exercise are currently under implementation at the NEC.
Table 40: Budgetary support from GoSL
Budget Type Budget Submitted Budget Allocated
Budget Ceiling (Recurrent & Programme) – 29,328,000,000.00
Salary 10,823,328,692.00 10,378,000,000.00
Recurrent & Programme 29,328,000,000.00 10,522,200,000.00
Capital “on construction” 4,719,381,440.00 1,042,450,840.00
Total 44,870,710,132.00 21,942,650,840.00
75
Table 41: Activities funded by UNDP
UNDP EXPENDITURE REPORT
NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION
EXPENDITURE REPORT FOR UNDP SUPPORTED PROJECT, 2015
EXPECTED OUTPUTS
PLANNED ACTIVITIES
Committed
Budget 2015
Expenditure from
Commitment:
Jan - Dec 2015
Variance
LE LE LE
Update on GIS for
VRC's
GIS/GPS Consultant 33,000,000 15,000,000 18,000,000
Purchase of Rechargeable Alkaline Batteries -AA -4set per
team
2,443,750 2,443,750 -
Other Logistics (Personnel & Logistics for Field Capture,
Data Entry & Printing).
170,491,670 127,152,070 43,339,600
Subtotal 205,935,420 144,595,820 61,339,600
Capacity Development,
Organizational Review
and Specialized
Trainings
Development of Logical Framework of NEC 23,000,000 22,000,000 1,000,000
Review of ToRs and Standing Orders A, B and C 36,000,000 36,000,000 -
Development of Performance Management System 18,000,000 19,000,000 (1,000,000)
Development of an HRIS of NEC 28,750,000 28,750,000 -
Subtotal 105,750,000 105,750,000 -
76
EXPECTED OUTPUTS
PLANNED ACTIVITIES
Committed
Budget 2015
Expenditure from
Commitment:
Jan - Dec 2015
Variance
Post -Election
Evaluation and Research
Other logistics (DSA, Transport, Communication, Fuel,
Banner, Rapporteur’s & Refreshments)
88,661,560 55,377,500 33,284,060
Subtotal 88,661,560 55,377,500 33,284,060
Achieve greater
engagement with all
Stakeholders
Radio Programmes 8,400,000 - 8,400,000
Jingle production 600,000 - 600,000
Airing of Jingles 1,500,000 - 1,500,000
Subtotal 10,500,000 - 10,500,000
Gender and Disability
Mainstreaming
DSA & Fuel 27,842,760 26,839,620 1,003,140
Hall Hire /Tea break & Lunch 11,700,000 10,120,000 1,580,000
Transportation 3,150,000 3,050,000 100,000
Design & Printing of flyers 27,140,000 27,140,000 -
Subtotal 69,832,760 67,149,620 2,683,140
Review and Legal
Reform
Professional fees for legal team for desk review 4,500,000 4,500,000 -
Contract Staff Cost for Typing Clerk 2,749,998 3,208,331 (458,333)
Subtotal 7,249,998 7,708,331 (458,333)
Total 487,929,738 380,581,271 107,348,467
77
Table 42: Provides an explanation of the various sources of income and the amount of funding
Income Type GoSL
Ministry of
Education/World
Bank
UNICEF Save the
Children
Bank
Interest TOTAL
1 Recurrent &
programme
9,589,596,653 - - - - 9,589,596,653.08
2 Salary 11,107,417,999 - - - - 11,107,417,998.89
3 Capital “on
Construction”
1,042,450,840
- - - - 1,042,450,840.00
4 Interest - - - - 60,434.67 60,434.67
5 MEST Project - 840,441,000.00 5,997,665,625.00 110,145,000.00 - 6,948,251,625.00
TOTAL 21,739,465,491.97 840,441,000.00 5,997,665,625.00 110,145,000.00 60,434.67 28,687,777,551.64
Table 43: Summary of Expenditure analysed on a Quarterly Basis
Quarter 1 Quarter 2 Quarter 3 Quarter 4 TOTAL
Staff Cost 2,673,342,766.86 2,218,466,646.55 2,074,717,669.05 4,328,787,135.32 11,295,314,217.78
Election Cost 97,163,750.00 324,887,829.00 364,637,375.00 1,823,763,850.00 2,610,452,804.00
Capital Expenditure 489,381,884.00 2,800,000.00 13,415,000.00 16,675,000.00 522,271,884.00
Recurrent/Programme Cost 1,660,245,128.66 2,211,321,514.55 1,940,696,296.07 6,002,540,856.01 11,814,803,795.29
Project Expenses 1,597,735,350.00 4,901,211,314.00 333,584,315.00 - 6,832,530,979.00
TOTAL 6,517,868,879.52 9,658,687,304.10 4,727,050,655.12 12,171,766,841.33 33,075,373,680.07
78
Table 44: Summary of Income & Expenditure
INCOME
Government of Sierra Leone Subvention
21,739,465,491.97
Interest 60,434.67
Save the Children – Project 110,145,000.00
Ministry of Education, Science & Technology - Project 840,441,000.00
UNICEF – Project 5,997,665,625.00
Total Income 28,687,777,551.64
EXPENDITURE
Staff Cost 11,295,314,217.78
Electoral Activities 2,610,452,804.00
Capital Expenditure 525,271,884.00
Recurrent & other Programme Expenses 11,814,803,795.29
Project Expenses 6,832,530,979.00
Total Expenses 33,075,373,680.07
Result for the Period - 4,387,596,128.43
79
Table 45: NEC ACTUAL EXPENDITURE, 2015 (ORGANIZED BY QUARTER)
Staff Cost Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total
Net Salary 1,570,207,874.20 1,525,409,791.62 1,234,167,919.57 2,433,427,892.66 6,763,213,478.05
Leave Allowances 571,034,892.59 100,148,609.82 256,629,953.87 411,141,818.18 1,338,955,274.46
Terminal Benefits 10,481,320.00 72,812,928.41 48,487,181.00 106,393,635.98 238,175,065.39
NASSIT Contribution-Total 208,620,212.89 363,073,490.63 161,824,766.71 415,850,940.11 1,149,369,410.34
PAYE 312,998,467.18 157,021,826.07 373,607,847.90 961,972,848.39 1,805,600,989.54
Total 2,673,342,766.86 2,218,466,646.55 2,074,717,669.05 4,328,787,135.32 11,295,314,217.78
Election Cost Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total
Election Training - - - 34,641,500.00 34,641,500.00
PC Elections - - 258,981,375.00 514,702,575.00 773,683,950.00
Voter Education & Sensitisation 57,400,000.00 37,500,000.00 22,750,000.00 57,497,900.00 175,147,900.00
Local Government Bye-Elections - - - 317,718,875.00 317,718,875.00
Electoral Legal Reform 422,500.00 - 25,876,000.00 - 26,298,500.00
Parliamentary Bye-Election - - - 407,843,750.00 407,843,750.00
Other Elections - 42,631,579.00 - 208,085,500.00 250,717,079.00
GIS/GPS Mapping 39,341,250.00 244,756,250.00 57,030,000.00 - 341,127,500.00
Temporary Polling Staff Salaries - - - 273,555,000.00 273,555,000.00
Tally Center - - - 9,718,750.00 9,718,750.00
Total 97,163,750.00 324,887,829.00 364,637,375.00 1,823,763,850.00 2,610,452,804.00
80
Recurrent/Programme cost Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total
Int. Travel 13,816,800.00 11,285,200.00 61,756,100.00 190,472,320.00 277,330,420.00
Local Travel 29,588,762.00 29,236,875.00 104,479,750.00 119,215,003.00 282,520,390.00
Rental of Premises 395,790,000.00 51,600,000.00 - 40,950,000.00 488,340,000.00
Maintenance of Office Equipment 13,466,000.00 14,637,250.00 24,487,750.00 21,820,000.00 74,411,000.00
General Printing 69,414,000.00 54,110,000.00 152,823,000.00 2,156,022,500.00 2,432,369,500.00
HQ Petty Cash 18,431,500.00 14,251,800.00 14,013,750.00 18,455,750.00 65,152,800.00
Admin Field Office 51,520,000.00 64,206,000.00 47,705,000.00 83,613,125.00 247,044,125.00
System Development - - - - -
Renovation of Premises 26,455,000.00 16,669,000.00 36,200,000.00 59,596,250.00 138,920,250.00
Newspapers & periodicals 3,480,000.00 2,520,000.00 4,946,000.00 3,366,000.00 14,312,000.00
Generator Maintenance 1,500,000.00 - 6,687,000.00 5,550,000.00 13,737,000.00
Vehicle Licenses 16,182,500.00 24,841,703.56 - - 41,024,203.56
Office Legal Affairs 5,201,250.00 22,146,900.00 17,825,250.00 31,602,500.00 76,775,900.00
Telephone & Other Communication 43,790,950.00 79,582,878.00 75,904,800.00 151,774,375.00 351,053,003.00
Vehicle Maintenance 81,648,750.00 63,907,000.00 130,686,000.00 239,172,250.00 515,414,000.00
Stationery & Office Supplies 262,075,361.84 264,787,029.00 187,936,100.00 642,589,000.00 1,357,387,490.84
Computer Running Costs 18,910,000.00 25,760,000.00 54,795,000.00 24,280,000.00 123,745,000.00
Computer Supplies 1,200,000.00 - - - 1,200,000.00
Security 138,670,000.00 121,105,000.00 105,690,000.00 183,785,000.00 549,250,000.00
Fuel and Lubricants 68,371,500.00 59,385,000.00 71,850,000.00 71,331,250.00 270,937,750.00
81
Recurrent/Programme cost
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4
Total
Staff Training 18,560,000.00 80,873,750.00 45,513,750.00 91,808,750.00 236,756,250.00
Workshops, Meetings & Conferences 11,501,200.00 520,991,750.00 63,986,750.00 536,084,625.00 1,132,564,325.00
Professional Fees 85,474,998.00 166,020,000.00 213,147,000.00 273,877,000.00 738,518,998.00
Bank Charges 38,039,005.88 32,845,221.92 31,626,838.69 40,288,783.56 142,799,850.05
Water Charges 3,991,958.20 6,308,494.84 4,491,297.95 1,911,631.27 16,703,382.26
Advertisements - - 95,845,000.00 23,975,000.00 119,820,000.00
Audit Fees 1,500,000.00 40,000,000.00 40,000,000.00 40,000,000.00 121,500,000.00
Publications 255,000.00 22,872,500.00 - 94,020,000.00 117,147,500.00
Electricity Bills 45,000,000.00 60,000,000.00 63,023,567.00 78,420,000.00 246,443,567.00
Local Transportation 2,303,750.00 1,748,750.00 2,600,000.00 7,495,000.00 14,147,500.00
Local Conference 8,263,000.00 2,789,000.00 43,715,472.00 11,145,000.00 65,912,472.00
Hospitality - 837,500.00 860,000.00 4,480,000.00 6,177,500.00
Insurance and Compensation 2,057,489.33 135,000.00 19,178,085.00 42,596,070.00 63,966,644.33
Entertainment 39,515,500.00 21,370,000.00 40,207,000.00 49,096,800.00 150,189,300.00
Miscellaneous Expenses 46,689,562.97 12,334,800.00 29,556,000.00 112,859,299.18 201,439,662.15
Generator Running Costs 16,845,000.00 17,970,000.00 26,787,500.00 28,095,000.00 89,697,500.00
Garbage Removal 36,033,326.00 54,049,998.00 54,049,998.00 72,066,664.00 216,199,986.00
Withholding Tax 44,702,964.44 170,937,779.23 66,222,537.43 12,684,833.00 294,548,114.10
Casual Labour - - 2,100,000.00 640,000.00 2,740,000.00
Refund of Unspent Donor Fund - 79,205,335.00 - 437,401,077.00 516,606,412.00
Total 1,660,245,128.66 2,211,321,514.55 1,940,696,296.07 6,002,540,856.01 11,814,803,795.29
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Project Expense Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total
MEST 1,597,735,350.00 4,901,211,314.00 223,441,315.00 - 6,722,387,979.00
Save the Children - - 110,143,000.00 - 110,143,000.00
Total 1,597,735,350.00 4,901,211,314.00 333,584,315.00 - 6,832,530,979.00
Capital Expenses Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Total
Non Construction Capital Expenditure 489,381,884.00 2,800,000.00 13,415,000.00 16,675,000.00 522,271,884.00
Total 489,381,884.00 2,800,000.00 13,415,000.00 16,675,000.00 522,271,884.00
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CHAPTER SEVEN
CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
7.0 General Conclusion
The first half of 2015 was characterized with national health emergency and transformational
processes. There were changes in Leadership, legal reform in relation to constitutional
review, improved collaboration with NRS, beginning of an electoral cycle with new strategic
plan, human resource development in IT, enhancement of management processes with IT in
Human Resource, Finance, and Procurement & Administration; and a prevailing state of
public health emergency in response to the outbreak of the Ebola virus disease.
The state of public health emergency in particular, prompted a ban on all public gatherings,
which affected NEC whose core function of conducting elections depend on interaction with
the public. As a result, Bye elections to fill several ward and constituency vacancies could not
be conducted within the mandatory period. They thus had to be conducted after the end of the
Ebola epidemic from November to December, 2015.
The stiff competition with other MDAs for adequate budgetary allocation from the
consolidated fund prompted rationalization of certain activities where in those that serve as
foundation to the conduct of credible elections in the current electoral cycle gained high
preference. Prominent among the activities were contracts for various consultancies whose
services were utilized to enhance the Commission’s capacity building effort in pursuing
consolidation for sustainability for the current electoral cycle.
On the foregoing, it can be observed that the Commission is prepared to fully absorb most of
its consolidation investments in ICT, Legal Framework and cross cutting issues like gender &
disability, health and safety, etc. The Commission is also hopeful that it will experience an
impressive take-off in 2016; since 2015 was a year in Sierra Leone that had been largely
ridden of Ebola.
7.1 Recommendations
7.1.1: To the Government of Sierra Leone (GoSL)
Infrastructural Development: Government to continue its support for the
construction of Regional and District Offices and Warehouses. This is necessary to
discontinue the dependence of the Commission on rented private premises for offices
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which in turn will safeguard the independence of the Commission.
Funding to the Commission: Government to constitute to make adequate financial
provisions in order to meet increasing electoral and administrative costs.
Timely Disbursement of funds to The Commission: Timely disbursement of funds
to the Commission is necessary in order to forestall the negative impact on electoral
activities which are usually time bound.
Replacement of Vehicles: Government to provide vehicles to replace 12 NEC Hilux
loaned to Statistics Sierra Leone (SSL) for Census operations and the National Ebola
Response Centre (NERC) as support to the fight against the Ebola.
Government of Sierra Leone to support INEACE to be part of NEC as an institution
7.1.2: To Stakeholders and National Institutions
There is need for stakeholders to increase their level of collaboration with the Commission
in the area of electoral and civic education. The media must continue disseminating timely
and accurate information on the various electoral processes. Civil Society Organizations
through NEW, must continue to impartially observe the electoral process. There is an
urgent need for the Government of Sierra Leone and donors to increase funding for the
PPRC and strengthen it for the next electoral cycle.
7.1.3: To political parties
Need for continued collaboration and interaction with NEC through regular
attendance to Political Parties Liaison Committee meetings. Consideration must be given to
the funding of political parties through the PPRC and other related MDA’s.
7.1.4: To Donor Partners
Continued collaboration and engagement with NEC through technical and financial support.
There is need for the National Elections Watch to be funded to observe, the next electoral
cycle.
7.1.5: To other MDA’s (SSL and NRS)
Statistics Sierra Leone (SSL) to ensure that it submits to NEC on time credible
Provisional Census data for the next electoral constituency and ward boundaries
delimitation process.
The National Registration Secretariat to ensure the Civil Registration project is fully
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implemented well ahead of time for NEC to use its data for the production of a voters
register for the next public elections.
7.1.6: To NEC
NEC to continue to engage MoFED for a restructure of staff salaries, institutional and
capacity building.
NEC to review nomination fees for public elections using acceptable formula and
standards.
NEC to implement the Election Observation Missions’ recommendations as outlined
in their reports submitted by their members in the last public elections.
NEC to continue to improve on the conduct of transparent and credible elections
NEC to continue to collaborate with its stakeholders and development partners
7.1.7: To Parliament
There is need for continued collaboration between NEC and the Legislation
The Leadership of parliament to determine the number of seats in next parliament.
This will allow NEC to determine the population quota for the next constituency
boundaries delimitations process.
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Organizational Chart of the National Electoral Commission in 2015
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ANNEXES:
Staff list as at 2015
NO NAME Title & Location
1 Mohamed N’fah-Alie
Conteh
Chief Electoral Commissioner/Chairman
2 Augusta Bockarie Electoral Commissioner - South
3 Stephen Aiah Mattia Electoral Commissioner-East
4 Miatta French Electoral Commissioner - West
5 Macksood Gibril - Sesay Electoral Commissioner-North
6 William A. Davies Executive Secretary
7 Abu Turay Executive Assistant to CEC (Contract)
8 Sheku C Johnny Assistant to Executive Secretary
9 Aiah E. Sam Director of Internal Audit - HQ
10 Philip F. Kargbo Director of Operations - HQ
11 Edmond Sylvester Alpha Director of Training & Outreach - HQ
12 Tamba T. Tormy Director of HR, G &D - HQ
13 Mbekay S Amara Director of IT & Voters’ Roll - HQ
14 Gladys N. John Ag. Director of LARD-HQ
15 Victor E.W .Samuels Director of Finance - HQ
16 Abubakarr Koroma Director of Administration
17 Fatorma Fah-Bundeh Chief Legal Affairs - HQ
18 Albert Massaquoi Chief of Outreach - HQ
19 Momoh M. Kanneh Chief of Human Resource, HQ
20 Raymond A. N. George Chief of Training, Procedures and Voter
Education- HQ
21 Solomon Villa Chief of IT & Voters’ Roll - HQ
22 Sylvester E. Tucker Chief of Finance Unit-HQ
23 Wurie Turay Chief of Procurement & Logistics - HQ
24 Aiah Quiwa Region Chief - North
25 Sheku Ahmed Koroma Region Chief - East
26 Isaac Curtis-Hooke Regional chief - South
27 Abubakarr Javombo Regional Chief - West
28 Elizabeth M. Bureh Chief of Administration - HQ
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29 Gibrilla Murray Jusu Ag Chief - Research & Document. HQ
30 Nyande Fania Chief of Internal Audit - HQ
31 Christiana O’Reilly Chief Gender & Disability - HQ
32 Jusufu Henry Swaray Jr. Electoral Officer - IT - HQ
33 Victoria Carpenter Electoral Officer - Research & Document. - HQ
34 Florence Sia Kamara Electoral Officer – Finance
35 Winston Thompson Electoral Officer - Finance - HQ
36 Hawanatu Razia Latiff
Sheriff
Electoral Officer - Budget & Payment-Finance
37 Ansumana V. Kanneh Electoral Officer - Operations
38 Foday Allieu Electoral Officer - H.R
39 Stephen P. Borbo Electoral Officer - Admin. - HQ
40 Christopher A.A. Jones Electoral Officer - Outreach - HQ
41 Michael Kamara Electoral Officer - IT - HQ
42 Sheku Ahmed Kamara Electoral Officer Regional IT Officer- West
43 Mohamed Sheku Conteh Electoral Officer Regional IT Officer - Kenema
44 Arthur Harleston Electoral Officer Regional IT Officer - Bo
45 Saidu Saradugu Electoral Officer Regional IT Officer - Bombali
46 Victor Christian Musa Electoral Officer – Training - HQ
47 Shebora A. Kamara Electoral Officer – Procurement. & Logistics Ware
House
48 Alimamy Dumbuya Electoral Officer - Procurement. & Logistics Ware
House
49 Abubakarr Bangura Electoral Officer – Procurement & Logistics - HQ
50 Christopher Simbo Electoral Officer – Ware House
51 Clauduel Temple Electoral Officer – Internal Audit HQ
52 Ansue J. J. Mahoney Electoral Officer - Operations
53 Emmanuel Thompson Electoral Officer - Legal Affairs
54 Paul J. Simbo District Electoral Officer - Bonthe
55 Paul M Damba District Electoral Officer – W/ Urban
56 Rosetta Thomas District Electoral Officer –W/ Rural
57 Solomon Sondai District Electoral Officer - Koinadugu
58 Paul Joseph Bannister District Electoral Officer - Pujehun
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60 Andrew R. Kanu Assistant District Electoral Officer - Bombali
61 Ali Peter Brima District Electoral Officer - Moyamba
62 David Kajue District Electoral Officetr - Bombali
63 Sahr S. Kellie District Electoral Officer - Port Loko
64 Mohamed Turay District Electoral Officer - Bo
65 Umaru Fomba District Electoral Officer - Kenema
66 Alex A. Smith District Electoral Officer - Kono
67 Emmanuel Yagbaji District Electoral Officer -Kailahun
68 Musa Kangbai District Electoral Officer - Kambia
69 Steven S. Kabba District Electoral Officer – Tonkolili
70 Egbert F. Thomas Assistant Electoral Officer – Internal Audit - HQ
71 Abess Nasralla Assistant Electoral Officer- Legal Affairs,
Research and Documentation
72 Sammy Christo Sama Assistant Electoral Officer , IT Software-HQ
73 Paul T. Dixon Assistant Electoral Officer- IT Hard Ware-HQ
74 Adama Keima Saffa Assistant Electoral Officer-Operations
75 Khadija Dukuray Assistant Electoral Officer- Finance - HQ
76 Salamatu V. James Assistant Electoral Officer – Finance - HQ
77 Barba Kargbo Assistant Electoral Officer - Pro. & Log. - HQ
78 Jacob M. Jajua Assistant Electoral Officer- Pro. & Log. Ware
House
79 Musa Conteh Assistant Electoral Officer – Pro. & Log. Ware
House
80 Momoh Sesay Administrative Asst. – Pro. & Log. Ware House
81 Christiana G. Deoud Assistant Electoral Officer- Admin- HQ
82 Tonia M. Salankole Assistant Electoral Officer – Finance
83 Etta Koroma Assistant Electoral Officer – H.R - HQ
84 Louisa Gbassa Assistant Electoral Officer – Training - HQ
85 Marilyn Dixon Assistant Electoral Officer – Gender & Disability-
HQ
86 Emmanuel Lavalie Assistant Electoral Officer – Outreach - HQ
87 Egbert Thomas Assistant Electoral Officer-Internal Audit-HQ
88 Alex T Paila Assistant District Electoral Officer - Koinadugu
90
89 Augustine A. A. Mohamed Assistant District Electoral Officer- Port Loko
90 Francis B. Musa Assistant District Electoral Officer - Kenema
91 Salma P. Kargbo Assistant District Electoral Officer-Western Urban
92 Mohamed Amara Assistant District Electoral Officer- Bonthe
93 Claude Samura Assistant District Electoral Officer- Western Rural
94 Sulaiman Amara Assistant District Electoral Officer – Bombali
95 Augustine K. Saffa Assistant District Electoral Officer- Kambia
96 Larry B. Fangawa Assistant District Electoral Officer – Kailahun
97 Mohamed S. Turay Assistant District Electoral Officer-Tonkolili
98 Fatmata L.B. Jalloh Assistant District Electoral Officer- Moyamba
99 Henry M. Thompson Assistant District Electoral Officer - Pujehun
100 Beatrice Kangbai Assistant District Electoral Officer– Bo
101 Brima H. Alie Voter Education &Training Officer -Bonthe Island
102 Osman Joe Kamara Voter Education &Training Officer - Moyamba
103 Charles N. Ensah Voter Education & Training Officer - Pujehun
104 Thomas T. Taylor Voter Education & Training Officer – Kailahun
105 Gassimu Sillah Voter Education & Training Officer - Kono
106 Samuel H. Bengeh Voter Education & Training Officer – Kambia
107 Patricia Fatmata Sesay Voter Education & Training Officer – Port Loko
108 Manty Dabo Turay Voter Education & Training Officer - Bombali
109 Desiatu Thomas Voter Education &Training Officer - Western Rural
110 Margaret Butcher Voter Education & Training Officer - Western
Urban
111 Timothy Musa Regional Admin Assistant - Kenema
112 David Quiwa Regional Admin Assistant - Bombali
113 James J. Davies Regional Admin Assistant - Bo
114 Amara Gibrilla Admin Assistant- Finance - HQ
115 Momoh Sesay Admin Assistant – Ware House/HQ
116 Gibril Kargbo Admin Assistant HQ
117 Priscilla Leigh Admin Assistant – HQ
118 Doris Victoria Wilson Admin Assistant – LARD, HQ
119 Esther Kargbo Personal Assist. – Comm. South
120 Odette Kamara Personal Assist. – Comm. East
91
121 Mary G. C. Komeh Personal Asst. Comm. South
122 Ansu Bangura Personal Asst. – Comm. North
123 Jonathan Thomas Senior Driver - HQ
124 Charles Kamanda Driver -HQ
125 Hassan Sesay Driver -HQ
126 Idrissa Musa Driver – Bo
127 Mohamed Saboleh Driver – HQ
128 Mendae Kalokoh Driver - HQ
129 Tunde Tejan-Cole Driver – HQ
130 Abu Sesay Driver - Kambia
131 Abu S. Mansaray Driver HQ
132 Eric Tucker Driver – HQ
133 Akie Cole Driver - HQ
134 Abdulrahman Kamara Driver - HQ
135 Donald Coker Driver - HQ
136 Mohamed Kamara Driver - HQ
137 Samuel Sesay Driver – HQ
138 Francis George Driver – HQ
139 Mark Sesay Driver – HQ
140 Sulaiman Tarawalie Driver -HQ
141 Abu Kamara Driver -HQ
142 Lamrana Barrie Driver –HQ
143 Abdul Kargbo Driver – HQ
144 Mohamed Kabbah Driver – Moyamba
145 Ansumana Bangura Driver – HQ
146 Follah Banta Thullah Driver – HQ
147 Dauda Kamanda Driver – Bonthe
148 Amadu Bangura Driver-HQ
149 Abdul Amara Driver
150 Kassim Koroma Driver – HQ
151 Osman Bah Driver – HQ
152 Lamin Sesay Driver- HQ
153 Emmanuel Conteh Driver – HQ
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154 Aruna Koroma Driver – HQ
155 Abu Conteh Driver - Kenema
156 Joseph Moriba Driver – HQ
157 Festus K. Kangasu Driver - HQ
158 Theophilus Sesay Driver – HQ
159 Fallah Fayia Driver – HQ
160 Thaimu Conteh Driver- HQ
161 Issa Fofanah Driver – HQ
162 Moses Felix Conteh Office Assistant - HQ
163 Sahr Lavalie Office Assistant - HQ
164 Abubakarr Kargbo Office Assistant HQ
165 Mamoud Kamara Office Assistant – HQ
166 Amie Swaray Office Assistant - HQ
167 Foday Samura Office Assistant - HQ
168 Raymond Kanu Office Assistant Tonkolili
169 Ishmail Brima Office Assistant - Kenema
170 Jusu Borbor Office Assistant - Bo
171 Ibrahim Tamba Sourie Office Assistant - Kono
172 Lahai Goba Office Assistant - Moyamba
173 Mustapha Koroma Office Assistant - Pujehun
174 Mohamed Lama Jalloh Office Assistant - Koinadugu
175 Alpha Sesay Office Assistant - Kambia
176 Hector L. Moriba Office Assistant – Bonthe Mainland
177 Abdul K. Kenjah Office Assistant – Bonthe Island
178 John James Office Assistant - Kailahun
179 Unisa Turay Office Assistant - Wellington
180 Amed Sidi Kay Office Assistant - Bombali
181 Yusifu Janneh Office Assistant – HQ
182 Ibrahim Sam Office Assistant- Western Rural
183 Musa B. Nyagua Office Assistant Port Loko
184 Abu Sam-king Generator Attendant at HQ
185 Ibrahim Kandeh Mechanic
186 Surul Conteh House Help-Commissioner North
93
187 Patient Conteh House Help – Commissioner West
188 Hawa Nyama Conteh House Help – Chief Electoral Commissioner/Chair
189 Charles C. James House Help – Commissioner South