The National Commission for Democracy (NCD) on Thursday, 17th September 2026, concluded a one-day International Democracy Day (IDD) celebration themed “Political Tolerance and Peace Building: Reflection, One Year On,” held at the Galliness Paradise Conference Hall in Bo City.
In her statement, the Executive Chairman of NCD, Madam Marian Angela Samu, said she was pleased and happy to celebrate the International Day of Democracy in the Southern Region’s regional headquarters in Bo.
Madam Samu spoke about Sierra Leone’s democratic sustainability and outlined the progress made since the country began its democratic journey in 1996. She said that, as a country, significant progress has been made in enabling citizens to participate in and consolidate the nation’s hard-earned democracy.
She noted that a year earlier, NCD had launched its democratic research findings on the State of Democracy at Freetown City Hall. The Chairman observed that the Commission has a responsibility to assess the state of democracy and reflect on its progress, adding that participants at the event would have the opportunity to share their views. She further explained that, with support from International IDEA, the European Union, and the Government of Sierra Leone, the Commission was able to research and launch the State of Democracy findings in 2025.
Madam Samu assured participants that they would each receive a copy of the report at the end of the celebration.
In his brief remarks, Mr. Joseph Sesay, Executive Secretary of NCD, explained that Bo City had been chosen as the venue for this year’s IDD celebration in the Southern Regional Headquarters. He thanked guests for honouring the invitation on such short notice to celebrate the occasion together.
In his keynote address, Mr. Phillip Tetema Tondema, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Public Administration and Political Affairs (MOPAPA), spoke on behalf of the Ministry, describing the initiative to celebrate IDD in Bo as an effort to strengthen trust between government and citizens. He said it would deepen democratic governance and expand inclusive participation across all regions of Sierra Leone.
The Deputy Minister described IDD as an annual celebration observed globally, led by the United Nations, governments, civil society, and educational institutions, with a focus on dialogue, participation, and the strengthening of democratic values.
He observed that when governance is inclusive, trust flourishes; when trust flourishes, democracy is strengthened; and when democracy is strengthened, nations prosper.
He described Sierra Leone’s 2023 elections as a contest among registered political parties, adding that they represented a test of the country’s democratic advancement and a step further from its recent history of war.
He said democracy is not merely a political process but a culture of participation, tolerance, accountability, respect for the rule of law, and diversity — one that sustains freedom and justice.
The Deputy Minister posed a simple but profound question to his audience: What kind of nation do we want to be remembered for building at this defining moment in our history? Will it be one where decisions are made by a few, for a few — or one where every voice matters, every citizen counts, and every action brings us closer to the promise of a better tomorrow?
He added that the future of Sierra Leone will be shaped by the collective actions taken today and in the years ahead, and stressed that history will remember leaders not for their titles, but for the positive change they inspired and the legacy they left behind. In closing, he called on all present to help build a nation founded on unity, freedom, and justice.
Mr. Andrew Lavalie, Executive Director of the Institute for Governance Reform (IGR), gave a thoughtful presentation of the State of Democracy Assessment Report (2025). He said the people want to see a better democracy that works for the good of all, and that NCD still has considerable work to do to shift the mindset of Sierra Leoneans toward more positive participation in governance.
He described “kakistocracy” as rule by the least qualified or unscrupulous, noting that such a system of governance can never be productive or worth consolidating. He added that, as a country, there is a need for continuous reflection on and renewal of efforts to promote democracy.
Mr. Lavalie’s presentation sparked considerable discussion on the shortcomings of the two oldest political parties since independence, the SLPP, and the APC.
Following the presentation, panelists shared their perspectives. Dr. Sheku B. Kamara, Head of the Political Science Department at Njala University, spoke about the rule of law as the fundamental law of the land, under which the President is bound by the constitution. He described the practice of democracy in Africa as an imported system, noting that colonial powers divided African nations without their input, and suggested that a democracy shaped by African context and values would have been preferable.
Mr. Blackie, Chairman of Civil Society in the Southern Region, spoke about the importance of voting based on policy and promoting civic rights and responsibilities among citizens. He observed that in Sierra Leone, politics tends to be driven by party loyalty rather than policy. Citing the Free Quality Education and Free Healthcare policies, he pointed to deficiencies in citizens’ civic responsibility to make such programmes work for the good of all.
Commissioner Alie B. Kamara, another panelist representing NCD, spoke about politics as the process of making decisions on behalf of others, and defined policy as a statement made by leaders that does not carry the force of law. He called on the Commission to educate citizens on defending the nation’s constitution and advocated for inclusive governance to promote greater participation.
Following a thorough panel discussion on the State of Democracy Assessment Report (2025), participants were given the opportunity to ask questions about the kind of democracy they want to see in Sierra Leone.
Rev. Gibrilla Kargbo, Programmes Director and moderator of the event, guided the session skilfully, making it a deliberative and participatory reflection on the State of Democracy Assessment Report 2025.
The International Day of Democracy celebration concluded with the presentation of the State of Democracy Assessment Report to participants.
The NCD Chairman made her closing remarks, expressing appreciation to all who attended the event in Bo City, and encourage the citizenry to actively participate in the democratic governance process of the state.
The programme concluded with recital of the National Pledge to cultivate a sense of patriotism and nationalism for the land that we love, Sierra Leone.
