Lawyers’ Society, ECONEC Discuss Electoral Reforms Ahead of 2028
The Lawyers’ Society of Sierra Leone has engaged the ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC) on electoral reforms aimed at strengthening democratic governance and improving the credibility of future elections in Sierra Leone.
The engagement took place on September 24 at the Society’s Secretariat in Freetown during a meeting with ECONEC’s Post-Election Follow-up and Needs Assessment Mission.
The mission was led by ECOWAS Resident Representative Ambassador John Azumah, alongside Liberian National Electoral Commission Co-Chairperson Counsellor Reeves. The Lawyers’ Society was represented by its President, Augustine Sorie-Sengbe Marrah, Esq.
Discussions focused on lessons from the 2023 general elections, the role of the legal profession and judiciary in safeguarding democratic governance, and the implementation of the Tripartite Agreement.
Both sides highlighted the importance of electoral reforms to promote transparency, strengthen public confidence in the electoral process and support peaceful elections ahead of the 2028 polls.
Ambassador Azumah stressed the importance of involving civil society organisations and professional bodies in Sierra Leone’s democratic process. He described the Lawyers’ Society as an important stakeholder in the country’s democratisation efforts and encouraged the organisation to continue advocating for accountability and legal reforms.
The Lawyers’ Society reaffirmed its commitment to promoting good governance and the rule of law. The Society also raised what it described as challenges facing the organisation, including the state’s refusal to register it.
As part of its contribution to the electoral reform process, the Society announced plans to submit a position paper to ECONEC containing recommendations aimed at supporting free, fair and credible elections.
The engagement forms part of broader post-election consultations by ECOWAS aimed at assessing electoral processes across member states and identifying measures to strengthen electoral institutions and democratic governance.
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