By: Sulaiman Aruna Sesay

It is frustrating and unacceptable to learn of the situation in which the remaining workers who risked their lives during the June general elections are still yet to be paid by the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone (ECSL).

These workers put their health and safety on the line to provide a critical service to the nation. There were potential threat of violence in some polling stations but yet still these workers stood firm in ensuring that the elections were conducted smoothly and efficiently.

It is unfathomable that ECSL, the body responsible for overseeing the elections and ensuring that all workers are compensated fairly, would neglect their duty to pay these brave individuals. This is an alight on the reputation of the commission and a violation of the workers’ rights. After series of verification processes made by both ECSL and UNDP, no positive outcome has been for those who risked their lives in ensuring a peaceful elections outcome.

It is important to note that the failure to compensate these workers is not just a matter of basic decency, but it is also against the law. All workers have the right to receive payment for their services rendered, and ECSL has a legal obligation to ensure that this occurs. The failure to pay these workers can have serious consequences in the future. If workers believe that they will not be compensated fairly for their labor, they may be reluctant to participate in future elections, which could undermine the integrity of the democratic process in Sierra Leone.

It is, therefore, imperative that ECSL takes immediate action to rectify this situation. The workers must be paid the full amount owed to them, including any additional compensation for the risks they took during the elections. Given cold-shoulder will only worsen the situation.

It is unacceptable for the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone to neglect their responsibilities and fail to compensate the remaining workers who risked their lives during the June general elections. ECSL must act now to ensure that these workers receive the compensation they deserve, not only as a matter of fairness but also as a critical step in upholding the integrity of Sierra Leone’s democratic process.