Freetown, 3rd March, 2026- The National Election Watch (NEW) has taken a bold step to strengthen its internal democracy, commencing district-level elections in Koinadugu and Moyamba, with the remaining 15 districts set to follow.
The simultaneous polls saw strong participation, with 37 organizations voting in Moyamba and 21 in Koinadugu to elect new District Coordinators, Secretaries, and district teams. These teams will now oversee the appointment of chiefdom focal persons, reinforcing grassroots representation.
The elections were marked by orderly conduct and sportsmanship. In Koinadugu, the outgoing District Coordinator conceded defeat immediately after results were announced, pledging full support to NEW’s future work. In Moyamba, the outgoing Coordinator retired gracefully, ensuring a seamless handover to the newly elected team.
Observers from the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) and the Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) endorsed the process, underscoring its transparency and credibility.
NEW emphasized that elections should never be treated as a “do or die” affair, urging other districts to emulate the peaceful and orderly example set in Moyamba and Koinadugu.
This initiative is supported by International IDEA through the European Union’s Sierra Leone Democracy Strengthening Program, reinforcing NEW’s commitment to democratic values and institutional growth.
