VOTER REGISTRATION ACCREDITATION GUIDELINES AND CODE OF CONDUCT FOR OBSERVERS

• VOTER REGISTRATION EXERCISE: 3^RD SEPTEMBER – 4^TH OCTOBER 2022
• PHASE 1:  3^RD – 17^TH SEPTEMBER 2022  
• PHASE 2:  20^TH SEPTEMBER – 4^TH OCTOBER 2022
• REGISTRATION CENTRES WILL OPEN FROM 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM DAILY 

            CATEGORIES OF OBSERVERS

            OBJECTIVE OF THE VOTER REGISTRATION EXERCISE

1. The objective is to ensure that Political Parties, Observers, and Media institutions who wish to witness the conduct of the Voter Registration exercise in Sierra Leone are given the opportunity.
2. Interested Political Parties, Observers, and the Media can apply for accreditation through the online portal on accreditation.nec.gov.sl with the aid of internet connectivity.  Institutions can also apply manually.

THE RATIONALE FOR THE ACCREDITATION PROCESS

1. Through the accreditation process, Political Parties, Observers, and Media institutions are authorized to observe electoral processes, take note of happenings during the Voter Registration activities and report to their institutions.
2. Electoral observation has become an integral part of the democratic and electoral processes to enhance all electoral activities are transparent, credible, and accountable.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF OBSERVER INSTITUTIONS 

1. Institutions are required to Submit a list of applications.      Institutions and not individuals are accredited.
2.  Persons who are accredited to observe Voter Registration activities are required to read and understand the General Guidelines and Code of Conduct for Observers.  
3. Institutions must ensure that all their observers are of sound mind and have agreed to abide by the Rules and Regulations governing the Voter Registration process.
4.  Institutions are required to ensure accurate and correct details for observers are submitted and bear the responsibility for any misconduct of the observer(s)
5. Institutions are required to give feedback on findings in the form of reports or hold engagement discussions with the Electoral Commission on the same.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR ACCREDITED OBSERVERS

1. Observers shall not be involved in the administration of any aspect of the Voter Registration exercise, either by giving directives to or interfering with Voter Registration officials in the performance of their duties
2. All observers shall comply with lawful directives issued by or under the authority of the Electoral Commission, including an order to leave a voter registration center or any premises where an electoral activity is conducted by the Electoral Commission, or given by the Voter Registration officials as the case may be.
3. Observers should not attempt or procure favours or induce Voter Registration officials in the performance of their duties.
4. If observers need any clarifications, they should do so in a polite manner with the Voter Registration officials.