By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Deputy Minister of Information and Civic Education, Bockarie Abdel Aziz Bawoh, has raised concerns over the perceived neutrality of National Elections Watch, describing the body as aligned with the opposition All People’s Congress.
Speaking during a public discussion on the Epic Morning Show, Bawoh argued that the conduct and statements of the elections watchdog suggest a leaning towards the main opposition party. His remarks have added a new dimension to ongoing debates about the credibility and independence of civil society organizations involved in electoral monitoring.
Bawoh pointed to the group’s position during the 2023 presidential election as part of his argument. He noted that National Elections Watch did not challenge the victory of Julius Maada Bio, who was declared winner of the polls. According to him, the organization only raised the possibility that the president might not secure a first round victory but stopped short of disputing the final outcome.
He emphasized that at no point did the observer group state that President Bio lost the election. Instead, he said, their reports and public statements acknowledged the process without directly contesting the official results announced by electoral authorities.
The Deputy Minister’s comments come at a time when questions around electoral transparency and accountability continue to feature prominently in Sierra Leone’s political discourse. Civil society organizations, including National Elections Watch, have traditionally played a key role in monitoring elections, providing independent assessments, and promoting public confidence in the democratic process.
However, Bawoh’s claims suggest growing mistrust between government officials and some monitoring groups. His assertion that the organization operates as an outlet for the opposition may spark further debate about the role and perception of election observers in the country.
National Elections Watch has been widely recognized for its involvement in past elections, deploying observers across the country and issuing reports on voting, counting, and result transmission. Its work is often cited by both local and international stakeholders seeking to understand the credibility of electoral processes.
Political analysts say statements such as those made by the Deputy Minister highlight the need for continued dialogue between government and civil society. They note that trust in democratic institutions depends not only on the conduct of elections but also on the credibility of those who monitor them.
As discussions continue, attention is likely to focus on how institutions can maintain public confidence while navigating an increasingly polarized political environment.
