International Moral Guarantors Set December 31st 2026 Deadline for ECSL Restructuring

Freetown, 20^th April 2026 – The joint ECOWAS–UNOWAS–Commonwealth delegation has outlined a set of bold recommendations aimed at breaking Sierra Leone’s political impasse and steering the country toward lasting peace, stability, and credible elections.

After a week-long mission in Freetown, the International Moral Guarantors praised progress made under the Agreement for National Unity (ANU) but stressed that urgent reforms and inclusive dialogue remain the only path forward.

Among the standout recommendations, the delegation urged the APC and its elected officials are urged to immediately return to Parliament, ensuring inclusive governance and transparent decision-making at all levels.

Parliament to constitute a Standing Committee on Electoral Matters to review the electoral cycle, strengthen preparedness, and guide reforms ahead of the 2028 general elections.

Tripartite Steering Committee to be restructured to include more APC members, other political parties, and civil society voices, with a new High-Level Oversight Mechanism providing strategic direction.

A joint panel of legal experts from government, opposition, and civil society to drive constitutional and legislative reforms, including the review of Sierra Leone’s electoral system.

The Electoral Commission for Sierra Leone (ECSL) should be restructured by December 31, 2026, in line with Tripartite recommendations, with guarantors pledging to reconvene if deadlines are missed. And both government and opposition agreed that census figures must be used transparently for development and electoral governance, with all stakeholders involved in decision-making.

The mission also emphasized the need to strengthen voter registration, results management, and safeguards against hate speech and misinformation, warning that political tensions must be de-escalated to build trust.

“The way forward lies in sustained dialogue, inclusive reforms, and respect for agreed timelines,” the delegation declared, urging leaders to seize the moment to restore confidence in Sierra Leone’s democracy.