By: Davida Spaine-Solomon
Freetown, 25th March 2026- The National Election Watch (NEW) has successfully concluded its district-level elections across all 17 operational districts in Sierra Leone, held between 2nd and 24th March 2026. In a notable adjustment, Bonthe District was split into two due to its riverine terrain, ensuring smooth participation.
The elections, facilitated by two dedicated teams of Secretariat staff and Regional Coordinators, resulted in the appointment of District Coordinators, Secretaries, and complete District Teams for every district. These teams will now oversee the review and verification of Chiefdom Focal Persons and appoint new representatives where necessary.
Out of 497 organizations listed on the voter register, 442 participated in the elections, marking an impressive turnout of 88.9%.
A key feature of the process was the thorough verification of NEW’s membership in each district. Initial membership lists were compiled by the District Teams, based on organizations that had completed the registration and approval process, and subsequently submitted to the NEW Secretariat. To maintain transparency, these lists were publicly presented to the district members and meticulously verified, with all concerns addressed before voting.
The NEW Leadership extended appreciation to partner institutions that supported and observed the elections, including the Sierra Leone Association of Journalists (SLAJ) at all levels, the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL), the Political Parties Registration Commission (PPRC), and the Office of National Security (ONS) in selected districts. The Independent Radio Network also hosted NEW teams on radio programs across districts, keeping citizens informed throughout the process.
The initiative was funded by the European Union through International IDEA, underscoring continued international support for transparent and accountable electoral processes in Sierra Leone.
