By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The National Council for Civic Education and Development (NaCCED), led by Chairman Mr. Joseph Munda Bindi, continued its national engagement on electoral reforms today with a focused regional dialogue in Makeni, following productive discussions in Port Loko on June 24.
The forum is part of the ongoing citizen consultations surrounding Recommendation 78 of the Tripartite Committee, which has emerged as a pivotal point in Sierra Leone’s electoral reform discourse. Stakeholders from Makeni and surrounding districts participated in the discussions, joining a growing national movement to shape a more inclusive and representative electoral system.
Organized by the Tripartite Steering Committee Secretariat and supported by International IDEA, the regional dialogues aim to ensure broad-based citizen participation in shaping the future of elections in Sierra Leone. Today’s session in Makeni represents a critical continuation of efforts to strengthen transparency, regional balance, and civic inclusion.
“Democracy grows when citizens own the process,” said Mr. Bindi in his opening remarks. “These dialogues are not just about systems; they are about ensuring that the voice of every Sierra Leonean is heard, valued, and reflected in our governance structures.”
Recommendation 78 has generated significant interest as it proposes adjustments to Sierra Leone’s electoral framework to better reflect citizens’ expectations and democratic aspirations. While the specific content of the recommendation remains under review, the emphasis on citizen-led consultations underscores a renewed commitment to participatory governance.
Participants in Makeni—comprising traditional leaders, youth groups, women’s organizations, civil society representatives, and local government officials—engaged in robust discussions, offering varied perspectives on electoral representation, fairness, and accountability. Many expressed appreciation for the inclusive approach taken by NaCCED and its partners.
“Bringing these conversations to the regions is essential,” noted one participant from Bombali District. “Too often, decisions are made in Freetown without the input of those most affected. This process shows that our voices matter.”
Yesterday’s dialogue in Port Loko laid the foundation for today’s expanded discussions, with citizens voicing strong support for reforms that enhance trust in electoral outcomes and encourage greater civic participation. The back-to-back sessions reflect a deliberate strategy to ensure that reforms are grounded in lived realities across all regions of the country.
International IDEA, a global organization supporting sustainable democracy, has played a key role in facilitating these dialogues, providing technical support and ensuring that the process remains inclusive and transparent.
The regional consultations are expected to continue in other parts of the country over the coming weeks, culminating in a comprehensive review that will inform the Tripartite Committee’s final recommendations.
As the process unfolds, NaCCED reaffirmed its commitment to promoting civic education as a cornerstone of democracy. By encouraging open dialogue and empowering communities to participate in shaping national decisions, the Council aims to strengthen democratic governance from the grassroots up.
“Every voice counts in this journey,” Mr. Bindi emphasized. “It is through collective engagement that we build a democracy that truly reflects the will of the people.”
The Makeni dialogue marks another significant step forward in Sierra Leone’s democratic evolution, reinforcing the belief that transparent, citizen-driven reform is the surest path to lasting electoral integrity.
