The last general election- presidential, parliamentary, local councils- was held on 24 June 2023.
According to an official statement, no presidential election until 2028 has been confirmed.
Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone gained independence on April 27, 1961, with Sir Milton Margai becoming its first Prime Minister; the nation transitioned to a republic in 1971 under Siaka Stevens.
Sierra Leone operates as a presidential republic with a unicameral Parliament and an independent judiciary. The President, serving as both head of state and government, is directly elected for a five-year term and can be re-elected once. Legislative power rests with the National Parliament, composed of members elected via proportional representation and seats reserved for paramount chiefs.
8.9M+
Population
101:100
Men-Women Ratio
28%
Women Representation
Overview
Sierra Leone gained independence on April 27, 1961, with Sir Milton Margai becoming its first Prime Minister; the nation transitioned to a republic in 1971 under Siaka Stevens.
Sierra Leone operates as a presidential republic with a unicameral Parliament and an independent judiciary. The President, serving as both head of state and government, is directly elected for a five-year term and can be re-elected once. Legislative power rests with the National Parliament, composed of members elected via proportional representation and seats reserved for paramount chiefs.
Key Political Transitions & Democratic Developments
– 1967: After contentious elections, a series of coups resulted in Major-General Siaka Stevens consolidating power over several years
– 1978: A constitutional referendum formalized a one-party state under Stevens and the All People’s Congress (APC)
– 1991–1992: The 1978 system was dismantled by a new constitution restoring multiparty democracy, although a 1992 coup led to temporary military rule
– 1996: Democratic elections returned a civilian administration under Ahmad Tejan Kabbah, though a coup in 1997 interrupted his term; international intervention later reinstated him and paved the way for peace and constitutional rule
– 2002–present: Since the end of civil war in 2002, Sierra Leone has held regular multiparty elections, though not without challenges related to election credibility and political stability
Recent Election & Political Events
In June 2023, Sierra Leone held general elections. Incumbent President Julius Maada Bio (SLPP) was re-elected with 56% of the vote, while the SLPP secured 81 parliamentary seats, compared to the opposition APC’s 54. International observers raised concerns over statistical inconsistencies and a lack of transparency in results dissemination; the APC protested, demanding a rerun. Subsequently, in November 2023, an attempted coup targeting military barracks and prisons was thwarted, resulting in fatalities and mass prisoner releases. In 2024, military courts sentenced soldiers and accomplices to long prison terms ranging from 50 to 120 years.
Upcoming Elections
General Elections
Postponed
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Participation Metrics
Voter Turnout
Voter turnout in Sierra Leone has remained consistently high, averaging around 80–84% in recent elections. In the 2023 general elections, turnout was officially recorded at 83% of 3.37 million registered voters, slightly higher than the 84.2% in 2018 and 79.5% in 2012. Earlier elections, such as in 2007, saw lower participation around 68%. The rise in turnout reflects increased voter engagement, better voter education, and improved registration coverage.
Registered Voters
For the 2023 elections in Sierra Leone, about 3.37 million voters were registered, with a slightly higher share of women than men. The registration process spanned September–October 2022, with corrective updates through mid-2023. Despite strong participation, concerns arose over transparency, incomplete publication of voter lists, and logistical delays.
Age/Youth
Youths make up over 60% of Sierra Leone’s registered voters, giving them major influence in elections. Yet, despite their numbers, many face unemployment, limited political voice, and economic exclusion, making them vulnerable to manipulation and electoral violence. They are often used as campaign tools rather than included in decision-making. Efforts by the National Youth Commission and civil society aim to boost youth leadership, voter education, and peaceful participation, but genuine inclusion remains a major democratic challenge.
Gender
Women make up 52% of voters in Sierra Leone but remain underrepresented in politics. The 2022 Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act set a 30% quota for women in public offices, yet weak enforcement and cultural barriers persist. Civil society continues to promote voter education and leadership training to boost women’s political participation.
Other Groups
In Sierra Leone, persons with disabilities, rural voters, and minority groups face barriers to full electoral participation. About 22,000 PwDs registered in 2023, though many still encounter access and information challenges. Rural and minority communities struggle with limited representation and poor polling access. Ongoing civic efforts aim to promote inclusive and equitable participation for these groups.
Key Electoral Institutions
Political parties and the National Assembly
Political parties and the National Assembly are crucial to the functioning of Mauritania’s electoral system, even though they are not direct management bodies. Political parties mobilize citizens, nominate candidates, and monitor elections through agents and observers. The National Assembly contributes by debating and enacting electoral laws, shaping the legal framework within which CENI and other institutions operate. Together, they provide democratic oversight and ensure political pluralism in the electoral environment.
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Constitutional Council
They serve as the highest judicial authority on electoral and constitutional matters in Mauritania. It validates and proclaims final election results, particularly for presidential and parliamentary elections, and confirms the eligibility of presidential candidates. The Council also adjudicates electoral disputes, ensuring that elections comply with the constitution and legal framework. Its rulings are final and binding, giving it a central role in safeguarding the integrity and legitimacy of electoral outcomes.
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Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI)
This is Mauritania’s principal body responsible for organizing and supervising all elections, including presidential, parliamentary, regional, and municipal polls. It operates as an autonomous institution mandated to ensure transparency, neutrality, and fairness in the electoral process. CENI oversees voter registration, monitors campaign conduct, manages the logistics of voting and counting, and announces provisional results. Its members are appointed through political consensus, typically representing both ruling and opposition parties, to reinforce public confidence and political balance.
Contact Information
- Headquarters: Commission Électorale Nationale Indépendante (CENI) of Mauritania
- Mailing Address: B.P. 4550, Nouakchott, Mauritania
- Hotline: +222 45 24 15 40
- Email: ceni@ceni.mr
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Direction Générale des Élections (DGE)
The DGE is the main new electoral management body in Guinea, created by decree in 2025. It is responsible for organising elections (both elections and referendums), maintaining and managing the electoral register, and guaranteeing aspects of electoral fairness. The DGE also represents Guinea in regional and international electoral organisations.
Contact Information
- Headquarters: Direction Générale des Élections (DGE)
- Mailing Address: Based in Conakry, Commune de Dixinn
- Hotline: +224 628 00 00 00
- Email: contact@dge.gov.gn
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Judiciary (Election Petitions)
The High Court of The Gambia hears election petitions. (Election Petition Rules 1976 govern the process.)
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Electoral Laws & Policies
The Constitution of Sierra Leone (Act No. 6 of 1991)
https://www.parliament.gov.sl/uploads/acts/THE%20CONSTITUTION%20OF%20SIERRA%20LEONE%201991.pdf?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Public Elections Act 2022
https://sierralii.gov.sl/akn/sl/act/2022/17/eng%402022-09-20?utm_source=chatgpt.com
Accredited Election Monitoring Organizations
Recent Election Publication
News & Updates
Election Result Platform
How To Monitor Elections In
Sierra Leone
Key Actors in Election Observation
Domestic groups based in Sierra Leone that observe election processes and report findings often cover all stages from voter registration to result announcements. There are also International Observer Missions. They are sent by international organizations like the EU, African Union, ECOWAS, and sometimes groups like the Commonwealth or Carter Center. They assess compliance with international and regional standards as well as national law during elections. Political parties are also a major actor in electoral observation. These are not observers but they also monitor the election as participants. They look out for party or candidate interests.
Accreditation and Legality
To be a legally recognized observer, you must apply through an institution. Individuals alone cannot be accredited. Required documentation is submitted including proof of registration, list of observers, and completed forms to the Electoral Commission of Sierra Leone.
Observers have no role in administering the election, they do not run voting stations or influence officials. Also, accreditation can be revoked if an observer interferes, disrupts election activities, or violates the code of conduct. Observers must avoid political partisanship, they should be neutral, independent and unbiased.
Preparation and Planning
Observers must be trained on election laws and procedures, observation methods and checklists, reporting requirements. This ensures consistent and accurate information collection.
Deployment Strategy
Observation missions are usually structured in levels. Long-Term Observers (LTOs) arrive weeks before Election Day. They monitor voter registration, campaign environment, media access, and preparation of polling stations. On the other hand, Short-Term Observers (STOs) or Election Day Observers are deployed on Election Day itself.
On Election Day
At the polling station, observers typically match setup and opening of polls; note if materials arrive on time; observe whether voting is conducted freely and orderly; record any irregularities (e.g., intimidation, multiple voting). Observers must be visible, but not interfere and they should not give instructions to officials or influence voters. Observers also fill out standardized forms to document what they see. This data becomes the basis for reports.
Counting and Collating
After polls close, observers watch the counting of ballots at polling stations. At larger collation centres, results from multiple polling stations are gathered. They note if procedures follow legal rules and whether results forms match observed counts. Observers may also participate in parallel vote tabulation, independently aggregating their own sample of results to compare with official tallies.
Reporting
International and major missions often release a preliminary statement shortly after Election Day outlining key observations and conclusions. However, more comprehensive analysis and recommendations are published later.Reports summarize findings from all phases of the election and include suggestions to improve the process. Clear, evidence-based reporting helps authorities, civil society and the public understand where reforms may be needed.
Ethical Principles
Good election observation hinges on strong ethics such as independence, neutrality, objectivity, respect for Law Confidentiality and Integrity, maintaining proper conduct and protecting sensitive data. Observers must avoid partisan symbols and respect the privacy of voters and officials.