National Stakeholders
Free and fair elections can not be achieved without the involvement of stakeholders. ECSL calls on all stakeholders to keep working with ECSL to achieve that goal.
Political parties
That Political Parties shall recognize the constitutional roles and responsibilities of the Government and the various national institutions, and pledge to engage in constructive dialogue among each other and with all other relevant stakeholders to ensure peaceful, free, and credible elections to be held in Sierra Leone
That Political Parties shall conduct their activities according to the laid down rules and regulations and shall not engage in illegal campaign activities, rallies and processions or acts aimed at undermining the campaigns of their competitors. The Political Parties shall refrain from campaign activities until National Electoral Commission authorizes them to do so and/ or make pronouncement to that effect.
Sierra Leone Police
The Sierra Leone Police, as a state institution that has primacy in the maintenance of law and order, shall act in an independent and professional manner in accordance with Sierra Leone’s relevant laws and applicable international standards.
PPRC
The Political Parties Registration Commission shall hold regular consultative meetings with the political parties as well as other relevant institutions to ensure timely resolution of any potential problems and misunderstandings during the electoral process. Further, the Political Parties Registration Commission will continue to advocate for technical and logistic support for the country’s registered political parties and offer mediation services to political parties to resolve intra or inter-party disputes.
Paramount Chiefs and Traditional Authorities
In accordance with the Code of Conduct for paramount chiefs and traditional authorities adopted on 22nd April 2011 hereby undertake to remain neutral and remain “above the cloud” in all matters relating to political activities befitting the dictates and dignity of the office they hold
The media
- Independent Media Commission
The Independent Media Commission shall, in accordance with its mandate, continue to regulate the print and broadcast media with the goal of combating the broadcast of inciting messages and the dissemination of offensive materials which have the potential to derail the upcoming elections
- Sierra Leone Association Of Journalists (SLAJ)
The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists and the Guild of Editors certainly have important responsibilities to the people of Sierra Leone, particularly during this crucial election period. They both undertake to work with their respective membership and all publishers and editors of the print media to avoid publications and/ or the broadcast of material that will be prejudicial to the conduct of the elections. They undertake to ensure that their journalistic output is balanced and avoid incitement or material that could lead to ethnic discord and/ or a breach of the peace. In seeking and telling the truth they shall resist temptation to resort to character assassination of political actors and others who may wish to engage in the service of their country.
- Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC)
The Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation accepts its unique role as an independent national broadcaster which came into being following the closure of political party radio stations as agreed in the April 2009 Joint Communique. As such, the Sierra Leone Broadcasting Corporation pledges that all shades of political opinion will enjoy equitable access to its services. Further, it shall establish an Elections coverage mechanism comprising representatives of all registered political parties to formulate guidelines on equitable political access that will be validated by the political parties.
- Political Party Newspaper
Political Party Newspapers, notwithstanding their responsibility to propagate the philosophy, ideas, manifesto of their parties and to show case candidates for the Presidential, Parliamentary and Local Council Elections, should ensure what they publish conforms with the IMC Code of Conduct.
National Commission For democracy
The Commission has a track record in advocating for democracy in Sierra Leone and is encouraged to promoting education for the culture of peace, citizenship, good governance, and nation building. The Commission is also encouraged to continue to advocate for participation by the citizenry in the country’s democracy based on, among others, full knowledge of the democratic processes, the principles of equality, the adverse effects of ethnicity and regionalism in the country’s polity and the need for peace and non-violence. The Commission shall strengthen its coordination with the Political Parties Registration Commission.
National Human rights Commission
The Commission should continue to monitor the electoral process to ensure adherence by all stakeholders to international human rights norms and standards and shall, through its existing mechanisms, promptly report human rights violations that have the potential to undermine the electoral process.
Civil Society Engagement in Elections and Electoral Processes
The contribution of Sierra Leone’s civil society in monitoring and providing an independent assessment of the elections, sensitizing the citizenry on the electoral process and assisting in critical voter education efforts as well as advocating for political tolerance and non-violence cannot be overstated. All stakeholders fully acknowledge the vital role of civil society in this endeavor and pledge their cooperation to enable it to discharge the aforesaid responsibilities.
Women Political Participation
Securing the passage of the Gender Equality Bill by Parliament and its implementation is the next step in achieving an increase in women’s representation in Parliament, local councils, Government and non-Government institutions. The Women Support Solidarity Group, APPWA, the Women’s Forum, MARWOPNET and other women’s organizations will work closely with the concerned stakeholders in furthering ongoing efforts at advancing gender equality.
Role of the Youth and the National Youth Commission Sierra Leone
The National Youth Commission should be pivotal in rallying youth serving organizations and youth organizations in promoting a non – violent culture among youth during the entire electoral process.