Sierra Leone Democracy Strengthening Project (SLDSP)

The project will focus on implementing recommendations from the Tripartite Committee on electoral reform and the EU Election Observation Mission (EU-EOM), contributing to Sierra Leone’s post-conflict democratic consolidation. Aligned with the EU’s strategic objectives, the project seeks to enable inclusive, transparent, and peaceful political processes, supporting Sierra Leone’s transition to sustainable development. It also contributes to SDG 16.6, promoting effective, accountable, and transparent institutions.

The project has five key outcome objectives:

1. Enhancing inclusive citizen participation in political processes, focusing on women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

2. Strengthening the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone’s (ECSL) capacity for credible and inclusive elections in 2023 and beyond.

3. Improving the ability of ECSL and civil society organizations (CSOs) to prevent and resolve election-related conflicts.

4. Supporting Parliament, Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs), the Ministry of Justice, and CSOs in implementing electoral reform recommendations.

5. Building the capacity of state institutions and CSOs to foster inclusive and peaceful political dialogue.

The project will work with key institutions like the Electoral Commision of Sierra Leone, Political Party Registration Commission, Independent Media Commission, National Commission for Democracy, National Council Civic Education and Democracy, Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion, National Electoral Watch, Independent Radio Network, 50:50 Equal Representation, Campaign for Human Rights & Development International  Parliament, the Office of the Chief Minister, the Ministry of Justice, and various CSOs, including media and youth-focused organizations.

This strengthens electoral risk management, promotes public participation, enhances oversight against electoral violence, disinformation, and illicit money in politics, and supports legal reform coordination. The intervention uses an electoral cycle approach addressing pre-election reforms, technical election support, and post-election democratic governance processes guided by International IDEA’s inclusion and conflict sensitivity framework. Cross-cutting issues like violent conflict, disinformation, and political exclusion are addressed throughout all project outcomes.