National Election Watch - Sierra Leone

National Election Watch - Sierra Leone National Election Watch (NEW) is a coalition of CSOs observing elections in Sierra Leone.

NEW, is a coalition of over 375 national and international civil society, Community Based and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), established in 2002 primarily to observe the electioneering process and Civic education, monitor the transparency and credibility of elections in Sierra Leone and increase the public’s confidence in the legitimacy of the results and citizens participation into the el

ectoral process through civic education. In a spirit of volunteerism and neutrality, NEW has observed polling since 2002 and monitored the entire electoral cycle process (i.e. not just election days) since 2007, through a decentralized structure of regional coordination, district teams and chiefdom focal rep coordinated from a secretariat in Freetown. NEW’s work has led to increased visibility and enhanced CSO participation in electoral processes and has contributed to clearer rules of engagement with political parties and politicians in many communities.

15/04/2026

Members of the National Election Watch (NEW), Sierra Leone, have observed Benin’s presidential election held on Sunday, 12th April 2026.

Link in the comments.


NEW OBSERVER HARRASSED AND MATCHED OUT OF THE COUNTING PROCESS IN BOMBALI SHEBORA CHIEFDOMEuropean Union in Sierra Leone...
14/04/2026

NEW OBSERVER HARRASSED AND MATCHED OUT OF THE COUNTING PROCESS IN BOMBALI SHEBORA CHIEFDOM
European Union in Sierra Leone UK in Sierra Leone National Democratic Institute International IDEA West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network West Africa Election Observers Network - WAEON Global Network of Domestic Election Monitors (GNDEM) Irish Aid German Embassy Freetown, Sierra Leone AYV News Liberty TV Online Truth Media Ecowas - Cedeao Youth Network in Elections and Governance SL

NEW Observes Presidential Election in BeninNational Coordinator of NEW, Rev. James A. Lahai, is currently leading the We...
12/04/2026

NEW Observes Presidential Election in Benin

National Coordinator of NEW, Rev. James A. Lahai, is currently leading the West Africa Election Observers Network - WAEON Mission, while one of our young women leaders from the NEW member organizations in Port Loko district, Kadiatu Tholley, joins the Ecowas mission to observe the presidential elections in Benin, taking place today, 12th April 2026.

This milestone reflects the growing recognition of National Election Watch (NEW) as a credible and trusted institution in election observation, not only within Sierra Leone but across the West African sub-region and beyond.

Over the years, NEW has built a strong reputation for professionalism, independence, and evidence-based reporting, earning the confidence of regional bodies and international partners alike.

NEW’s participation and leadership role in elections observer missions is a clear demonstration of its commitment to strengthening democratic processes through citizens observation, promotion of transparency, and accountability in electoral processes. By contributing experienced leadership and empowering young people to take part in both national and international elections observation, NEW is building a strong culture of conducting transparent and accountable elections.

NEW remains committed to upholding these standards and leveraging its expertise to support peaceful, credible, and transparent elections both within Sierra Leone and internationally.

Truth Media Liberty TV Online AYV News International IDEA International Republican Institute (IRI) National Democratic Institute European Union in Sierra Leone UK in Sierra Leone Irish Aid IRN Sierra Leone West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network Global Network of Domestic Election Monitors (GNDEM)

There are countless obstacles to Youth Participation in Politics. Among which is the restrictive age requirements limiti...
08/04/2026

There are countless obstacles to Youth Participation in Politics. Among which is the restrictive age requirements limiting voting and candidacy eligibility, perceptions of inexperience, political systems that limit youth participation, economic challenges including unemployment which hinders access to resources for campaigns and cultural gender biases and traditional structures which affect young women and marginalised groups.

We must all collectively strive to overcome these obstacles so youths can effectively participate in political processes.

This intervention "Youth Participation in Elections and Electoral Processes" is led by WYDE Civic Engagement, implemented by NEW with Democracy Reporting International, powered by the European Union 🇪🇺 and the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD).

🗳️🙌🏿

Youths can be enabled to participate in politics and political processes if minimum age requirements for suffrage rights...
07/04/2026

Youths can be enabled to participate in politics and political processes if minimum age requirements for suffrage rights are lowered, if youth quotas and advisory councils exist to ensure representation in governance, and if tailored civic education and mentorship programs are in place to empower young leaders. And if youths use technology and social media for activism and engagement.

This intervention "Youth Participation in Elections and Electoral Processes" is led by WYDE Civic Engagement, implemented by NEW with Democracy Reporting International, powered by the European Union 🇪🇺 and the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD).

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Big shout out to my newest top fans! 💎 Abdul Karim Komrabai Samura, Amara Vandi, Man Hadie, Mohamed Kabila Salia Sheriff...
03/04/2026

Big shout out to my newest top fans! 💎 Abdul Karim Komrabai Samura, Amara Vandi, Man Hadie, Mohamed Kabila Salia Sheriff, Hannah M G Gillen, Gbassay Sandi

Drop a comment to welcome them to our community,

Thanks for being a top engager and making it on to my weekly engagement list! 🎉 Tü Rãy, Alma Aminata Kamara, Doreen S Ba...
03/04/2026

Thanks for being a top engager and making it on to my weekly engagement list! 🎉 Tü Rãy, Alma Aminata Kamara, Doreen S Barrie, Henry Jabaty, Gbassay Sandi

Throwback: NEW launched it's Election Observation Strategy ahead of the 2023 election with Key stakeholders including po...
31/03/2026

Throwback: NEW launched it's Election Observation Strategy ahead of the 2023 election with Key stakeholders including political parties were present.
Truth Media AYV News Liberty TV Online

Youth Participation is a vital force in Democracy and International legal frameworks protect and encourage youth partici...
28/03/2026

Youth Participation is a vital force in Democracy and International legal frameworks protect and encourage youth participation. Youth participation will bring new ideas into governance, inspire others to engage in civic life and shape their communities.

This intervention "Youth Participation in Elections and Electoral Processes" is led by WYDE Civic Engagement, implemented by NEW with Democracy Reporting International, powered by the European Union 🇪🇺 and the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD).

🗳️🙌🏿

GNDEM Alarmed Over Increased Attacks Against Nonpartisan Election Observers in Sierra LeoneMarch 26, 2026The Global Netw...
26/03/2026

GNDEM Alarmed Over Increased Attacks Against Nonpartisan Election Observers in Sierra Leone
March 26, 2026
The Global Network of Domestic Election Monitors (GNDEM) expresses growing concern over the unwarranted criticism regarding the role of election observers in Sierra Leone, and targeted attacks against GNDEM member organization, the National Election Watch (NEW). NEW is a long-standing, professional and highly respected coalition in Sierra Leone, and has observed elections in the country since 2002.

Recent accusations from government and ruling party leaders have included suggesting election observers are intentionally destabilizing the country and questioning the credibility of long-established observer groups, as well as personalized attacks against NEW leadership that has resulted in intimidation and harassment. These attacks come in the midst of decreased cooperation and engagement from national election officials with the coalition ever since NEW’s publication of its evidence-based findings of the 2023 elections, which were also consistent with those of international observers. Such actions are an early warning of potentially greater efforts to undermine the work of independent civic actors that promote transparency and accountability in democratic processes. This threatens the freedom of all Sierra Leoneans to exercise their right to vote and participate in the electoral process.

It’s critical to affirm the rights of citizen observers now to protect civic space ahead of Sierra Leone’s next elections. These rights are reflected in various international human rights instruments, international and regional guiding principles, and backed by the UN special rapporteur for human rights defenders. Election observers around the globe protect the freedom of citizens to participate in elections free from fear or discrimination, cast their ballots, and ensure all votes are counted.

The civic efforts of NEW in Sierra Leone are vital for safeguarding democratic governance and mitigating potential political violence. GNDEM stands in full solidarity with NEW and election observers across Sierra Leone. We urge the government of Sierra Leone to cease bad faith criticism and harassment against nonpartisan election monitors to help build greater confidence and transparency in its own democratic processes.

https://gndem.org/stories/gndem-alarmed-over-increased-attacks-against-nonpartisan-election-observers-in-sierra-leone/

NEW Concludes Nationwide District-Level Elections with Strong ParticipationBetween the 2nd and 24th of March 2026, the N...
25/03/2026

NEW Concludes Nationwide District-Level Elections with Strong Participation

Between the 2nd and 24th of March 2026, the National Election Watch (NEW) concluded the conduct of its district level elections in all its 17 operational districts across the country. (Bonthe District was divided into two due to its riverine topography.)

The exercise, which was facilitated by two teams comprising Secretariat staff and Regional Coordinators, resulted in the elections of District Coordinators, Secretaries and District Teams for all the districts. The District Teams are tasked with the responsibility of reviewing/verifying the existing Chiefdom Focal Persons of all the chiefdoms in their respective districts and/or appointing new ones where necessary.

442 out of 497 organizations in the voter register participated in the elections across the country. Representing 88.9% voter turnout.

A key highlight of the elections was the meticulous verification of NEW's membership in each district. The initial district membership lists were compiled by the District Teams, based on organizations that had successfully completed the registration and approval process, and subsequently submitted to the NEW Secretariat.

To build trust and ensure fairness and transparency, these lists were projected before the full district membership and carefully verified one by one. All concerns raised by member organizations were thoroughly addressed before each election commenced.

The NEW Leadership recognizes and appreciates the support of partner institutions such as SLAJ who observed the process at all levels, ECSL, PPRC and ONS who observed the process in some districts, and the Independent Radio Network who hosted the NEW teams on their radio programmes across the districts.

This initiative was funded by the European Union through International IDEA.

Attached here are the names of the new District Coordinators and District Secretaries and the organizations they represent in their respective districts:

Address

2 MIK Drive Off Barracks Road, Murray Town
Freetown

Telephone

+23276737231

Website

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