Freetown, 30th April, 2026 — The National Elections Watch (NEW) has ushered in a new leadership team following its National Meeting held on April 28–29, marking a smooth and transparent transition that also set the stage for major internal reforms as Sierra Leone moves toward the 2028 general elections.
The meeting, attended by 74 delegates with a strong 91.8 percent turnout, elected Charles Keif‑Kobai of Forward SL as Chairperson after securing 41 votes (60.2 percent) in a credible and well‑coordinated process. Regional leadership positions were also filled across the country, reinforcing NEW’s commitment to inclusive representation and institutional democracy.
Key stakeholders, including representatives from the Office of National Security (ONS), the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ), the Office of the Minority Leader in Parliament, the Deputy British High Commissioner, and International IDEA graced the opening ceremony, pledging continued support for NEW’s mission of promoting democratic governance and electoral accountability.
In his remarks, National Coordinator Rev. James Albert Lahai outlined a reform agenda aimed at strengthening district‑level structures and improving coordination nationwide. “Every district must be empowered with a viable structure that enables effective participation in electoral observation activities,” he said, emphasizing that decentralization remains central to NEW’s credibility.
Rev. Lahai described district coordinators as “the hub for communication and operational direction,” urging members to maintain clear command structures while avoiding rigid conditions that could hinder participation. He stressed that institutional democracy thrives when all members feel adequately represented and accommodated.
The meeting also reaffirmed NEW’s commitment to supporting the implementation of the Tripartite Committee recommendations, which seek to strengthen integrity and trust in Sierra Leone’s political space.
Outgoing and incoming leaders agreed that the coalition’s next phase will focus on inclusivity, efficient coordination, and sustainable structures aligned with global best practices in election observation.
The event, supported by the European Union in Sierra Leone through International IDEA, concluded with renewed optimism for NEW’s role as a credible, reform‑driven watchdog in the country’s democratic consolidation.
