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National Electoral Commission [NEC] Sierra Leone

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National Electoral Commission [NEC] Sierra Leone National Electoral Commission [NEC] Sierra Leone ANNUAL REPORT SEPTEMBER 2006 – SEPTEMBER 2007 NEC HQ under Construction NOVEMBER, 2007 National Electoral Commission [NEC] Sierra Leone ANNUAL REPORT SEPTEMBER 2006 – SEPTEMBER 2007 NOVEMBER, 2007 MISSION STATEMENT The National Electoral Commission [NEC] is a public institution, whose mission is to organize, conduct and supervise all public elections and referenda, register all eligible voters, demarcate constituency boundaries and make regulations for the efficient performance of its functions. The National Electoral Commission shall impartially serve all stakeholders in the electoral process, and shall undertake voter education programmes for the citizens of Sierra Leone as a means of promoting and sustaining democracy good governance and an enlightened citizenry. VISION The vision of the National Electoral Commission [NEC] is that of an independent, credible and well-resourced institution which promotes democracy and good governance by continually administering elections in such a manner that the results are acceptable to all FOREWORD This report covers the period 1st September 2006 – 31st September 2007. During the period under review, the National Electoral Commission (NEC) was mainly occupied with the laying of a solid foundation for the conduct of the 2007 Presidential and Parliamentary elections, which is part of the Commission’s mandate. The production of this annual report is also in fulfilment of our constitutional responsibility. The National Electoral Commission successfully conducted the 2007 Presidential and Parliamentary elections. NEC is grateful for the sustained financial and moral support received from the Government of Sierra Leone, the International Development Partners, the United Nations System, the general public and the people of Sierra Leone during the last twelve months. We would like to convey our profound thanks and appreciation to the Sierra Leone Police, all the security agencies, our local partners and all who contributed to whatever measure of success we achieved during the year. Though the year was a success, it was not without its share of challenges. We regret the lack of integrity demonstrated by some members of staff during the electoral process but are heartened that the vast majority carried out their responsibilities in the spirit of their oath of office and with professionalism. We solicit your continued support as we face the herculean task of administering credible and acceptable elections in Sierra Leone. In this report we have recorded some of the achievements and challenges we encountered as an Electoral Management Body. The Commission is hopeful that all its takeholders in the democratic process of Sierra Leone will find this report useful and informative. …………………………………. Dr. Christiana Thorpe Chief Electoral Commissioner & Chairperson National Returning Officer ii TABLE OF CONTENTS MISSION STATEMENT……………………………………………………………… i VISION ……………………………………………………………………………….. i FOREWORD ……………………………………………………………………………. ii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY........................................................................... iv 2.0 INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………… 1 3.0 STAFF CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT/PROCEDURES AND TRAINING 8 4.0 INFRASTRUCTURE/ASSETS DEVELOPMENT…………………………. 17 4.0 ESTABLISHMENT OF I.T. SYSTEM………………………………………. 19 5.0 LAWS AND REGULATIONS……………………………………………….. 24 6.0 PARLIAMENTARY APPROVAL OF CONSTITUENCY BOUNDARIES 33 7.0 VOTER REGISTRATION EXERCISE………………………………. …….. 34 8.0 CIVIC/VOTER EDUCATION (collaboration with civil society)………... 37 9.0 CONDUCT OF PRESIDENTIAL AND PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS 44 10.0 INTERACTION WITH STAKEHOLDERS…………………………………. 48 11.0 ELECTION BUDGET………………………………………………………… 52 12.0 REGIONAL REPORTS- Field Coordination and Reporting Unit…….. 55 13.0 CONCLUSIONS……………………………………………………………… 61 14.0 GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS……………………………………….. 62 ACRONYMS ………………………………………………………………… 64 iii EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The processes leading to and the conduct of the presidential and parliamentary elections of 2007 in Sierra Leone, have been widely acclaimed at both national and international levels to be generally well administered, transparent, peaceful, standardized and acceptable. Political pundits consider the two rounds elections to mark a significant and positive development in Sierra Leone’s strive towards not only consolidating democracy and peace , but also setting the pace for economic stability and social hegemony. The main instrument used as reference point for the operations of the Electoral Management Body of Sierra Leone, the National Electoral Commission (NEC), is the 1991 Constitution and the Electoral Laws Act of 2002. This Commission has the sole authority as enshrined in Section 33 of the 1991 Constitution, to conduct all public elections, referenda and registration of voters. Section 32, Sub-Section 12 also mandates the Commission to present an Annual Report on its programmes and activities to His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and a copy of this Report to be laid before the House of Parliament. In preparation for both the 2007 Presidential and Parliamentary Elections and the 2008 Local Government Elections, the National Electoral Commission undertook a comprehensive restructuring process reflective of standard independent electoral administration and management institutions. This process resulted in the recruitment of a more professional and qualified iv technocrats who conducted the 2007 General Elections revered internationally as being exemplary in Africa and the World over. The restructuring process also included the delimitation of the 112 constituency boundaries, following parliamentary approval; in line with the required number of seats in Parliament, using a population quotient and the 2004 population Census figures as a major parameter. The Commission, during the year under review, demonstrated its determination to achieve the crucial matrix of infrastructure/assets development by ensuring that the foundation stone for a permanent national headquarters was laid, with construction commencing at Tower hill on a site in which the former NEC building was located since colonial administration, commonly called ‘bode ose’. The legal framework of the electoral system was also modeled in line with international standards. Attempts are underway to not only modernize electoral laws, but also effect drafting amendments and/or new laws; in the process ensuring regular consultation with the public and other stakeholders and then seeking parliamentary approval. NEC transferred its responsibilities for the registration and supervision of the conduct of political parties to the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC), with NEC being a member. The Information technology systems were also upgraded with state of the art equipment and relevant procedures developed to suit the standards set for operational orders. Capacity building mechanisms were further adopted by the Commission to ensure efficient service delivery by staff. A key element for maintaining standards, policies and procedures has been the development in staff capacity from NEC headquarters to district levels. Capacity building was v considered an integral concept within the electoral operational process, hence its strengthening and effectiveness over the year. Voter registration was very successful with a total number of 2,619,565 eligible voters registered throughout the country. The registration was fixed centered. Voter Education/ Sensitization have been ongoing, which largely contributed to the successful conduct of Voter registration, exhibition, nomination procedures, campaigning and the two rounds elections. Conclusively, the Commission requests urgent action by donors, the relevant authorities and stakeholders in providing needed funding and assistance for the holding of credible and transparent local council elections in 2008. There is need for a permanent budget to be established to ensure that the NEC can undertake all its activities for the preparation and oversight of elections. Such a budget should be subject to parliamentary approval. vi 2.0 INTRODUCTION This report contains information on the administrative structure, programme implementation strategies and activities undertaken during the period under review in conformity with the 7- steps Electoral Reform Matrix, highlighting constraints and plans for the immediate future. 2.1 ADMINISTRATIVE STRUCTURE OF THE COMMISSION The National Electoral Commission is made up of a Chief Electoral Commissioner, who serves as the Chairperson, and four other Commissioners. The President appoints all the members of the Commission, in consultation with all registered political parties and subject to the approval of Parliament. The tenure of office for the Commissioners is five years, and their terms and conditions of service are prescribed by Parliament. Position Name Gender Oversight Responsibility Chief Electoral National – Sensitization/ Commissioner Dr. Christiana A.M. Thorpe F Voter Education Northern Region - Boundary Commissioner Alhaji Algassimu. S. Jarr M Delimitation Eastern Region – Commissioner Mr. Edie A. Nyaley M Infrastructure/ Assets Management Commissioner Mrs.Daphne Olu-Williams F Western Area - Legal Reform Commissioner Southern Region - Capacity Mr. Winston B. Minah M Building Chief Executive Head of National Secretariat Officer/ Executive Dr. Hindowa B. Momoh M Secretary The Commission is an oversight body, responsible for all policies and the overall supervision
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