ECONEC Mission Holds High-Level Debriefings with Key Stakeholders in Sierra Leone

Mission engages UNDP, Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone and major political parties on priorities ahead of 2028 General Elections

FREETOWN, SIERRA LEONE | Friday, 25 September 2026

The ECOWAS Network of Electoral Commissions (ECONEC) Mission to Sierra Leone has concluded a series of high level debriefings with key national and international stakeholders, focusing on priority areas that could strengthen electoral preparations ahead of the country’s 2028 General Elections.

Led by Co Chairperson of Liberia’s National Elections Commission (NEC), Cllr. P. Teplah Reeves, the delegation engaged representatives of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone, and representatives of Sierra Leone’s two major political parties, the Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) and the All People’s Congress (APC).

During a meeting held at the UNDP Office in Freetown on Friday, 25 September 2026, discussions centered on possible areas of technical and institutional support for Sierra Leone’s Electoral Commission as preparations advance toward the 2028 General Elections.

Civic and Voter Education emerged as an important area of discussion, with participants considering ways to strengthen public awareness, promote informed participation, and support broader understanding of electoral processes among citizens.

Participants also examined opportunities to reinforce technical capacities within the Electoral Commission, recognizing that effective electoral administration requires skilled personnel, appropriate systems, and sustained institutional support throughout the electoral cycle.

Engagement with political stakeholders provided an opportunity for the Mission to hear perspectives from major political actors and better understand issues that may affect electoral participation, confidence, and preparedness ahead of the next general elections.

ECONEC’s engagement with national institutions and development partners also forms part of a broader post election follow up and needs assessment process.

Through these consultations, the Mission is working to identify lessons learned, operational challenges, and priority areas that may require attention or additional support.

Regional cooperation remains central to ECONEC’s efforts, as electoral management bodies across West Africa continue to exchange experiences and strengthen professional capacity.

Lessons gathered from Sierra Leone can contribute to practical learning and informed support for electoral institutions within the region.

As the Mission concludes its engagements in Sierra Leone, findings from consultations with electoral authorities, development partners, and political stakeholders are expected to inform discussions on future electoral assistance and capacity building.

Engagements of this nature reinforce ECONEC’s commitment to supporting credible, inclusive, and effective electoral processes across West Africa.

#